New Musical ‘Porselein’ Brings Yasmine’s Music to Stage 17 Years On
On the 17th anniversary of her passing, production company Kadee Producties has announced a new musical titled “Porselein” that will bring the music of beloved Belgian singer and TV personality Yasmine back to the stage. The production, set to premiere in spring 2028 at the newly built AED Theater in Lint, is not a biographical retelling but an original story woven around her timeless songs, according to VRT NWS.
A Legacy That Endures
Yasmine — born Hilde Ludo Frieda Rens in Antwerp in 1972 — was one of Belgium’s most cherished entertainers. She rose to fame in the early 1990s with dance-pop hits like “Porselein” and “Meisjes aan de Macht,” later evolving into a more poetic, introspective artist. Beyond music, she was a beloved television presenter and radio host for VRT, and in 2003, she made history as one half of Belgium’s first same-sex celebrity marriage when she wed Marianne Dupon.
Her death by suicide on June 25, 2009, at age 37 sent shockwaves through the country. The Suicide Prevention Line received three times more calls than usual in the aftermath, and her passing sparked a national conversation about depression and mental health that continues to this day.
The Musical: An Original Story, Not a Biography
“Porselein” takes its name from Yasmine’s iconic 1997 hit single, but the production is firmly its own creation. The plot follows a close group of friends who look back on the journey they’ve traveled together, confronting moments of joy, loss, fulfilled dreams, and missed opportunities. As old memories resurface and hidden feelings emerge, they learn that some memories should be cherished forever — but letting go is sometimes necessary to make room for what’s to come.
“Yasmine is an artist who still holds a special place in the hearts of many Flemish people,” Kadee Producties said in a statement. “Her songs are honest, vulnerable, and at the same time comforting.” The producers added that they are “especially grateful for the opportunity to work with her musical legacy and introduce a new generation to the power and beauty of her repertoire,” as reported by MusicalVibes.net.
Mental Health at the Heart
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the production is its explicit mission to make mental vulnerability discussable. Geena Lisa, a former VRT hostess and close friend of Yasmine who speaks on behalf of the family, said: “The family and friends of Yasmine are delighted that her music is still not forgotten today. They find it all the more valuable that her lyrics and melodies have inspired the creators of the musical to make mental vulnerability discussable.”
This focus on mental health aligns with Kadee Producties’ broader mission. The company’s debut production, “Next to Normal” — a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about mental health — opened the AED Theater to positive reviews just last month.
Creative Team and Timeline
The musical is directed by Ilse La Monaca, with a script by Philippe Verkinderen and musical direction by Thomas Vanhauwaert. Producers Bart Vandersmissen and Evelien Van Gorp are leading the project for Kadee Producties, a creative house founded in 2025 that evolved from educational theater.
Auditions are open until August 10, 2026, with callbacks scheduled for September 3-4. The production is seeking 12 actors across two age groups — young adults (playing ages 18-25) and adults (playing ages 38-45). The performance run is set for February 21 through April 23, 2028, at the AED Theater in Lint, according to the official Kadee Producties website.
A Tradition of Jukebox Musicals
“Porselein” follows a well-established tradition in Flanders of creating musicals around an artist’s catalog — similar to the Clouseau, Will Tura, and Ann Christy musicals that preceded it. Internationally, the format has produced global hits like “Mamma Mia!” (ABBA) and “We Will Rock You” (Queen).
What to Watch For
With the AED Theater establishing itself as a new cultural destination in the Antwerp region and Kadee Producties building momentum after its successful debut, “Porselein” represents a significant moment in Flemish musical theater. The careful two-year planning timeline suggests ambition and attention to detail. Questions remain about which specific songs from Yasmine’s catalog will be featured and whether mental health organizations will be involved in the production — details that will likely emerge as the premiere approaches.
For now, the announcement serves as a powerful reminder that great art transcends time. Seventeen years after her death, Yasmine’s music is not merely being preserved — it’s being given new life, reaching new ears, and continuing to spark conversations that matter.