Quickly bored
‘Someone who goes through the jungle with a machete to create a path,’ is how Joep describes himself with a wink. A pioneer, in other words, an entrepreneur pur sang and averse to beaten paths. ‘At the age of 14, I organised concert evenings in a Roosendaal Party Centre - driven by a love of music.’ His strength lies in the ability to think big but he also knows he needs others to realise his vision. ‘I am easily bored by nature,’ he jokes. 'That means gathering the best from all disciplines around you and giving them the freedom and responsibility to use their talents. Laughs: ‘Together with my team, I put in maximum effort, thinking through the total operation so that projects run smoothly quickly and I can continue in my playground.’
Own signature
Anoma Maze revolves around anomalies, physical phenomena that are not what they seem. ‘Everything you see, feel and hear challenges your senses,’ says Joep. The inspiration for this concept was a book by Ruben Topia, an artist who sees symbolism as the language of the world. ‘The idea that you could really enter his surrealistic worlds, that became our starting point.’ After nine months of intensive concept forming and a year and a half of construction, here is now Doloris Anoma Maze: compared to the original, authentic Meta Maze, a serious 2.0 version. The maze has become more difficult, and you have to scramble, crawl and slide. Each room has a unique style and atmosphere, designed by local and renowned artists. Joep: ‘I think it's cool when people push boundaries. And what happens when you cross them? Margriet van Brevoort, for example, makes hyper-realistic sculptures. People in unusual shapes, aliens, there is something recognisable and confrontational about them. Or Thomas and Camilla's ‘socket room’, a favourite because of its interactive character. Each room has its own signature.' The experience is enhanced by Eefje de Visser's specially composed soundscape: ‘Out of sight’.
Secret society
More tips of the maze veil will not be lifted, you must experience it for yourself. It's not without reason that you start by handing in your phone. 'Stimulating fantasy, preserving mystique and creating surprise: that's what we do here. Because you cannot make recordings, you cannot show others what you have experienced, you must convey your perception verbally.' The experience of Anoma Maze is not just the maze itself. The welcoming, imaginative environment of the lobby and lounge are carefully designed to prepare visitors and help them relax. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a comfortable waiting area where - despite the presence of clocks - time does not seem to exist and you are carried away to the sounds of dreamscape music. Curious about what awaits them behind the various doors, they enjoy a drink until they are called on. ‘This space is about really disconnecting people from the outside world so that they can fully immerse themselves in the experience.’ People are touched by the maze and really need to recover from what they have experienced. This can be done in the speakeasy bar: the destination of the journey through Anoma Maze. This lounge bar, with a retro-futuristic look and the art deco ambience of a secret astrology society is the place to have an extended chat. The lounge floor has patterns reminiscent of the iconic film set of The Shining. Luxurious bar stools, cosy seats and comfortable sofas invite you to remember and share your experiences.
Uncovering possibilities
What does the future look like? Joep is already bursting with new ideas. 'I want to grow quietly, explore the possibilities of the maze and see what we can change, add, improve. Growth is part of it, developing the team. Big projects, I get energy from that and doing what we love is the guiding principle in everything we do.'
