Woeste Grond, the much-anticipated new Dutch drama series, is set to premiere on Monday, December 23, on NPO 1. The show centers around the Ottink family, who have been running their dairy farm, De Weuste, for generations. Brimming with themes of love, humor, and family intrigue, the series promises to provide viewers with both an engaging narrative and a glimpse of life outside the busy Randstad region.
At the heart of the series is young actress Pip Lieke Lucas, who plays the character Britt, one of the primary roles. The 27-year-old native of Zwolle has previously appeared in various productions, including NPO’s Nood and Netflix’s Dirty Lines. Joining Lucas are notable actors like Anouk Maas and Anne-Mieke Ruyten, all portraying the complex dynamics within the Ottink family.
The storyline highlights how the current generations of the Ottink family grapple with their inherited responsibilities versus their aspirations for self-determination. The family is composed of three generations: the eldest, Bats and Grada Ottink, find it difficult to let go of family traditions; their children, Dinant, Otto, and Marloes, search for balance between the values of their parents and adapting to the modern world; and the youngest generation, Britt, Romy, and Snoek, aspire to forge their own paths.
Filming of Woeste Grond took place across several locations, particularly focusing on a vacant farm near Hoge Hexel, which provided the crew with ample space to explore the estate’s stables and barns. Additional filming locations included Almelo and Bornerbroek, effectively showcasing the rural beauty of the Twente region, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage.
Johan Nijenhuis, the director known for his previous work on local productions, explained the importance of depicting life outside the confines of the Randstad. "De verhalen over het dagelijks leven buiten de Randstad blijven vaak onderbelicht" he stated, emphasizing the necessity of bringing focus to neglected narratives prevalent across the Netherlands. This perspective becomes especially poignant as 'Woeste Grond' aims to shed light on the challenges faced by families like the Ottinks, who struggle to adapt to the fast-paced changes of contemporary life.
Set to air every workday at 19:25, 'Woeste Grond' not only invites viewers to engage with the rich conflicts of the Otink family but also sparks curiosity about the realities of life on a traditional Dutch farm. With its blend of drama, humor, and heart, the series is sure to resonate with audiences, encouraging them to reflect on the balance between upholding traditions and embracing change.
Through heartfelt performances and compelling storytelling, 'Woeste Grond' is positioned to captivate viewers and provide meaningful portrayal of generational challenges faced by families tied to their land. The series holds promise not just as entertainment but as commentary on the socio-cultural dynamics of the Netherlands today.
