Can we still do without consultants? A study into the role of consultants within the Dutch government in collaboration with the theatre group De verleiders. While the government outsources tasks, the influence of external advisors is growing. What does this mean for the future of public administration? The proliferation of consultants within the Dutch government is the result of a deliberate management culture that has driven out professionals and replaced them with managers. But the more knowledge is outsourced, the weaker and more dependent the government itself becomes. Who is actually still in charge here? With Mariana Mazzucato, Simon van Teutem and Harry Starren, among others.