Frank en René Groothof

The Brothers are the ringmasters of a vaudeville show featuring plenty of music, sketches, circus acts and films. Above all, they will be gadding about with each other in lots of different ways, arguing and telling each other stories and fairy tales. Alternating between brotherly strife and brotherly love, their fights and scolding sessions are always followed by reconciliation. Every time they announce an act – whether it’s an acrobat, clown or trapeze act – the orchestra makes its entrance, commanding everyone’s full attention. In the hands of eight inspired musicians, the music is new, different, expressive and sometimes serene. The Brothers make mischief but despite their annoyance with the orchestra, they become enthralled by the music. They want to join in. Together with the orchestra they sing completely absurd Russian songs at the top of their voices. After this, the musicians think they’ve won the battle: they’re going to get involved in the sequel. The Russian horn player recites a poem, the percussionist performs an acrobatic act at the front of the stage. Of course, the brothers take over by stirring things up and creating chaos.