Foreword:

 

Amsterdam, Winter 1912

 

“Maybe not by coincidence that it was me, who would be the only eyewitness in this room. Disconnected in an old wing which used to be a part of this theatre, here at the Old High Street in Amsterdam. People were afraid it would have come down. This room, this dark, mysterious room, now left and forgotten. But in the early years, the 17th and 18th century, so important by its position as the first trade centre. We called it the East Indonesian House and it was especially built for, and finally a valuable property of my company, the V.O.C. The Company that united Europe, Asia and later also America. The founder of economy. The foundation for many sailors' stories and ship replicas in several important cities all over the world.

One of these stories lies here inside, in this old room where past, present, passion and chaos unite in a tragic lifeline of a man who ’s just listening to relive his memories.

And if you listen well, you can still hear the piano play …”

 

Jan Pieterszoon Coen