Another major theatre award for Keja Klaasje Kwestro

Less than a month after winning a Theo d’Or, Keja Klaasje Kwestro has received another prestigious theatre award. The School of Acting Arnhem graduate has won the 2026 Mary Dresselhuys Prize. The jury describes her as ‘a fearless and distinctive theatre personality’.

Kwestro graduated from ArtEZ in 2010. She went on to perform with companies including Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, De Toneelmakerij, Frascati Producties, Het Nationale Theater and Toneelschuur Producties. Since early 2025, she has been a permanent member of the ensemble at Het Zuidelijk Toneel.

Kwestro made a particularly strong impression last season. According to the jury, she delivered three remarkable performances in a row, in Not Quichot, Byzantium and F*CK LOLITA. The latter also earned her a Theo d’Or for the most impressive acting performance in September.

A significant contribution to Dutch theatre

Established in 1992, the Mary Dresselhuys Prize is presented every two years to an actor who has made a significant contribution to Dutch theatre. Previous recipients include Jeroen Willems, Fedja van Huêt, Jacob Derwig, Anniek Pheifer and Janni Goslinga.

The official award ceremony will take place at Café DeLaMar in Amsterdam in the spring of 2027. Kwestro will receive a medal with the likeness of Mary Dresselhuys and a prize of €25,000, which she can use to further develop her career.