Community of ‘s-Hertogenbosch

"Picture "rain" was an exercise during a workshop - everyone in the group did so in a different way. None of the eight North Brabantse, senior #non- professionals did the same thing. There is no "not right". Everything is possible and allowed. You are allowed to stop when things don't go your way. That freedom, lots of fun and continuing to surprise each other has kept us together for 1.5 years under the guidance of choreographer Jija Sohn. This while not everyone was as accessible and open at the beginning. But by constantly going back to basics and telling about our Indonesian and Moluccan roots, the group formed a safe haven. People dared to express themselves more and more. Strengthened, of course, by the communal meal during the break. Aah...food. #Dancing In your shoes #inclusiveness #storytelling #food Every (film) performance and workshop with choreographers visited was educational. Like the one by Vita from Slovenia. Because she was able to underpin the dynamics between the audience and the players (among themselves) in a visual and powerful way.#inspiration #energy #synergy #imhere The poetry workshop was a moment of reflection and at the same time prompted me to explore further my father's role during the post-war, nationalist actions in Indonesia because I know very little about it. #important #knowyourhistory"

From the start, it has been a fine group (of players), who want to be committed and are there for each other. A group with a high favour factor towards each other. It took too long in the beginning for us to work on a plan. As a result, the time to work with the concept and practice was scarce. Fortunately, there is initiative among the players to arrange extra practice sessions themselves. Personally, I think it turned out to be a fun play. The communication is not very forthcoming. The direction is more focused on their thing and less on the whole. My and contribution to the concept is more the Indo experiences and then without it that you shouldn't tinker with it. Note! Not meant negatively but constructive and as I experience it

It has been a process of trying out a lot by ourselves, without any grip, but with inspiration gained through a poetry workshop, guest choreographers, film and museum visits, etc., revealing the contours of the performance. We have become a close group and share ups and downs and joy. I wouldn't want to miss this project for anything in the world and it has encouraged me to read more about my origins. Performing Gender is complicated subject matter for me. More than before, I am now more likely to think about concepts like masculine, feminine, forms of addressing someone and LGBTQ+ issues. How people want to relate to each other is often culturally and socially determined and depends on where you were born. Let's meet without fear, judgement or cynicism.

The great moments with the group: recognition and sharing everyone's own story together. Despite the different personalities, trying to form a whole with respect for everyone's capabilities. Drawing inspiration from joint trips to performances and exhibitions and reflecting on your own background. Moving freely together as a group and trying to let go of everything. Dance moves taught by teachers to move/dance easily without thinking too much. All this in a pleasant atmosphere with lots of attention for everyone, good communication and lots of laughts, food and drinks.