De Suriname-trilogie: Stepping Stones
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 Stepping Stones.
Part of De Suriname Trilogie
Run time 90 minutes
Genre Musical Theater
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.
Stepping Stones
It is 2026. Brian and Alyssia, brother and sister, are each following their own path and seizing the opportunities that match their ambitions. The way has been paved by the generations before them. Raised by Grandma Hedy: once a singer with the legendary band Stepping Stones. Driven by their uncle Orlando: a self-made man who made his fortune in the fashion world.
But as they take steps towards success, Brian and Alyssia don’t always dare to speak their minds to their family or to each other. They carry secrets and moral dilemmas with them. How do they overcome the stigmas that exist in society, as well as the prejudices they harbour towards one another?
Live music is the beating heart of the performance and of the family in Stepping Stones. The music of Grandma Hedy’s band – jazz, funk, reggae and kaseko – forms the foundation, complemented by hip-hop and fusion, which vividly and colourfully reflects every generation.-|-
Stepping Stones is the third part of the Surinamese-Dutch trilogy about the arrival of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. Whereas the past was previously the focus, Stepping Stones explores the present day. A period in which the third generation of Surinamese people has put down roots in the Netherlands and is holding its own in a world where awareness of racism and prejudice based on skin colour is growing, but which is still far from being equal.
Trouw
“Stepping Stones is top-class musical theatre and a moving tribute to the power of family. No matter how hard you stumble, there’s always someone there to catch you.”
NRC
“The performance never loses its spark for a moment. That’s impressive, and is down to the dedication of the actors, who are so perfectly in tune with one another that at times you suspect you’re watching a real family. And it’s also down to that fantastic band.”
Credits
Direction Geert Lageveen
Text Roziena Salihu, Maarten van Hinte, Geert Lageveen
Composition and musical direction Gery Mendes
Cast and music Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, Romy Vreden, Daniël Kolf, Gery Mendes
Music Sophie Anglionin, Lito Mabjaia, Gery Mendes, Walther Muringen-|-
Assistant director Yahmani Blackman
Set design Ruben Wijnstok
Costumes Arien de Vries
Lighting design Stefan Dijkman
Set workshop Emiel Veken
