De Suriname-trilogie: De Gliphoeve
They’re back! Woiski vs. Woiski, De Gliphoeve and Stepping Stones — the three acclaimed productions through which Orkater and Bijlmer Parktheater tell the story of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. This page is for the production De Gliphoeve.
Part of De Suriname Trilogie
Run time 90 minutes
Genre Musical Theatre
Language Dutch
Volume discount! Visit two performances of De Suriname Trilogie and receive a 10% discount. Visit three performances and receive a 20% discount.
de Suriname-trilogie
To mark the end of 2026, the year in which we commemorate 50 years of Surinamese independence, Orkater, Bijlmer Parktheater and ITA will present the productions one final time from November 2026 onwards. The Suriname trilogy is the theatrical finale to a remarkable year in Dutch and Surinamese history.
Together, the three productions span an era of hope, adversity, connection and vitality: from the 1930s and 1950s in Paramaribo and Amsterdam, via the squatted De Gliphoeve block of flats in Bijlmermeer in the 1970s, to the dreams and dilemmas of the third generation today. Acclaimed by audiences and the press, and awarded at the Dutch Theatre Festival — these three productions undoubtedly belong to the Dutch theatre canon.-|-
A unique opportunity: Two weeks, three performances — individually or as a series, with supporting programmes and special encounters. The entire series can be seen in November at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. Woiski vs. Woiski and De Gliphoeve can also be seen in the heart of Amsterdam Zuidoost: Bijlmer Parktheater. The full series will also be performed in Rotterdam and The Hague in December.
De Gliphoeve
It is 1975. Suriname has declared its independence. “Who’s leaving and who’s staying here” is a huge hit on the radio. Etta decides to move to the Netherlands with her daughter Millie and son Glenn; their father Stanley is staying in Suriname for the time being. Full of anticipation, energy and humour, Etta tries to help her children settle into their new homeland. They do not receive a warm welcome: there is no work and there is no housing.
Out of necessity, together with Surinamese activists, they move into De Gliphoeve: the first squatted block of flats in the Bijlmermeer. Families live there below, above and on top of one another, sometimes in abject poverty. Yet they also find warmth there: in food and drink, in music and in the shared, determined will to succeed. But the small family is put to the test.
De Gliphoeve is, following Woiski vs. Woiski, the second part of the Surinamese-Dutch trilogy by Orkater and the Bijlmerparktheater about the arrival of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. A performance full of vitality and music as a lifeline to survive and break through the concrete.
Selected and nominated
De Gliphoeve was officially selected for the Dutch Theatre Festival in 2021, and Dionne Verwey was nominated for a Colombina, the theatre award for best supporting female role. From the Dutch Theatre Jury’s report: “Verwey proves herself to be an impressively versatile actress in this coming-of-age drama. Her passion, dedication and joy in performing leave the audience wanting more.”
From the jury report: “Partly thanks to the significant role played by the surprising music, which draws the audience into the story in a captivating way, the performers strike a fine balance between sadness and humour. In this way, they tackle themes that are difficult to discuss in everyday life. Above all, De Gliphoeve is a generous celebration of togetherness.”-|-
In 2023, De Gliphoeve was nominated for the 2023 Playwriting Award. From the jury report: “(…) The trio had one thing in mind: to tell the story in such a way – with sharp, snappy dialogue and playful use of playwriting techniques – that the reader can truly step into the characters’ shoes.”
Reviews
de Volkskrant
“A compelling and moving family chronicle, which draws attention to an under-exposed period in recent Dutch history.”
NRC
“A passionate ode to love and hope, against all odds.”
Credits
Direction Geert Lageveen
Text Bodil de la Parra, Maarten van Hinte, Geert Lageveen
Cast Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, Dionne Verwey, Daniël Kolf and Gery Mendes
Musical direction Gery Mendes
Music Sophia Anglionin, Sanne Landvreugd, Gery Mendes, Walther Muringen-|-
Assistant director Priscilla Vaudelle
Set design Ruben Wijnstok
Costumes Arien de Vries
Lighting design Stefan Dijkman
Set workshop Emiel Veken
