Fien de la Mar (1898-1965) was an exceptional actress. She performed in revues and cabarets, but also played big dramatic roles. Without reservation she could reveal herself in her role and thereby give her character unknown eminence. She did not care for the distinction between high and low art and could excel in both. In other aspects she was also elusive and could not be classified. She did not seem to be interested in politics and the world around her, but refused to become a member of the Dutch Culture Chamber during the war. She had intense amorous affaires, but Piet Grossouw remained the most important man in her life. In 1947 her big dream of having her own theatre came true: the De La Mar Theatre in Amsterdam. She could be seen there in production after production. Three years later however, the theatre was bankrupt. After that she felt out of place in theatre. Her husband, Piet Grossouw, who had been her bedrock throughout her turbulent life, died in 1957.