Mariken Biegman-van Geel is a Dutch costume designer and street theatre performer from Friesland. Trained as an environmental engineer, she left the profession to become a self-taught costume maker and street theatre artist. In 2000 she co-founded the all-female street theatre troupe Mevrouw Bakker, and in 2003 she and Karin Arts launched the travelling sewing studio 'Het mobiele naaiatelier' - known internationally as Sound of Sewing - which has since toured across Europe, New Zealand and beyond. The show travels on vintage bicycles and sewing machines, decorating audience members' own clothing on the spot.
Het mobiele naaiatelier celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a performance at the Open Flair festival in Eschwege, Germany (August 8-11, 2023).
Groot Heerenveen and Groot Fryslan presented in September 2023 a portrait of Mariken Biegman-van Geel, in which she told about the balance between festival life and family life in Jubbega.
In addition to Sound of Sewing, Mariken now also works with smaller productions such as 'Sisters of Soap' and 'Het Bankje, de ontmoeting'.
Het mobiele naaiatelier performed at the Fries Straatfestival in Leeuwarden on May 25, 2023.
Het mobiele naaiatelier debuted at the Oerol festival in 2004, where Mariken and Karin sewed a new flag with the audience every day - hoisted at the top of the Brandaris lighthouse.
Dutch artists invite children and adults to sew together on antique sewing machines in this interactive theatre performance filled with recycling and humor.
Dutch artists transform a courtyard into a living sewing theatre where audiences pedal antique machines to create unique recycled souvenirs.
An outdoor performance where artists transform recycled clothing into art with audience participation. Part of Copenhagen Street Theatre Festival, free for all ages.
Dutch artists transform old clothes into art and music using antique sewing machines powered by the audience. A playful, interactive performance for children and adults at Blågårds Plads.
Artists Karin Arts and Mariken Biegman-van Geel set up a theatre sewing workshop where the public can have old clothes transformed into artworks. Part of Denmark's International Street Theatre Festival.
An outdoor theatre-sewing workshop where audiences transform old clothes into art using antique machines powered by bicycle. Karin Arts and Mariken Biegman-van Geel's participatory performance celebrates recycling and creativity.
