Kantjil en de Tijger (8+)

Kantjil en de Tijger (8+)
17 Oct '25 to 28 Dec '25
Toneelmakerij / Oorkaan / Paul Knieriem

A grandmother with one last wish. Her brave granddaughter Indra. And the clever little deer Kantjil, who is not tall but has a black belt. Travel with Indra and Kantjil on their quest for the past: epic, vulnerable, exciting, confrontational and with a good dose of Indian humor. A performance by the Toneelmakerij, Oorkaan and Studio Figur.

Run time tba
Genre Theatre - Family
Language Dutch

Premiere Sun, Oct 19

Kantjil en de Tijger


Indra's grandmother Billy is ill. In her small living room, the whole family waits to say goodbye to her. But then Grandma turns out to have a last wish that turns everything upside down. Young Indra rushes to her aid and before she knows it, she tumbles into a hidden history.

Indra meets sidekick Kantjil, a magical Javanese little deer with the black belt. Together they put the puzzle pieces of the past together. Can you be too old to give the past a place? Or too young for your own family's history?

Every year the Toneelmakerij creates a large-scale production for the whole family in collaboration with another (music) theater company. After the success of Giselle, 1000+1 night, As You Like It, Hans en Griet and De Toverfluit, this fall we are collaborating with the full Oorkaan Ensemble and five top actors. A compelling musical theater performance for everyone aged eight and up.

Quote Paulien Geerlings (writer of Kantjil)

“In the Netherlands, around 2 million people with Indonesian roots live, spread across the country. They carry the consequences of 350 years of colonial history with them, now up to the fourth generation. There are still so many stories to tell here from various perspectives. This is necessary to make peace with the past and better understand the present. This is one of those stories. I look forward to writing it together with Melissa as a grand tale that suits the large stage: epic, vulnerable, exciting, confronting, and with a generous dose of Indo humor.”

Quote Paul Knieriem (director Kantjil):

“Every year we make a modern theatrical version inspired by a classic story, in this case Kantjil and the tiger. The great thing about the musicians of Oorkaan is that they are real theater animals. Like no other they can bring an exciting story musically to life. In this performance they are inspired by the rich Indonesian musical tradition.”

Credits


text Paulien Geerlings, Melissa Knollenburg
director Paul Knieriem
assistant director Raija Gomez Iglesias
dramaturgy Nina van Tongeren
composition Frieda Gustavs, Michele Mazzini, Jordy Sanger
music direction Jordy Sanger
music dramaturgy Caecilia Thunnissen, Robbrecht Van Cauwenberghe
sound design Maurits Thiel
lighting design Gé Wegman
lighting programming Mart Hielema
costume Design Jorine van Beek, Dymph Boss
scenography Yannick Verweij
set construction Man met de hamer
-|-
direction shadow- and puppet play Noufri Bachdim - Studio Figur
design and building of puppets and shadow play Pluck Venema in collaboration with Noor Sanders
assistant puppet building Job van Weeren
cast Bo Bojoh, Bodil de la Parra, Veysel Dzhesur, Susannah El Mecky, Isabelle Houdtzagers, Michele Mazzini, Jan van der Plas, Robbrecht Van Cauwenberghe, Eddie B. Wahr, Michela Zanoni
technical team Mart Hielema, Sophie de Hoop, Hugo van der Veldt, Maurits Thiel
production Eva van Kerkhof
education Maaike-Merel van Baarzel, Lot Houtepen, Martien Langman
marketing Selman Aqiqi, Judith Evens, Julia de Koning, Lonneke Laurant, Irit Yosef, Charlotte Brouwer
tour manager Marleen Koens
publicity image Jan Hoek
with special thanks to
V-fonds, Zadelhoff Cultuurfonds, P.W. Janssen's Friesche Stichting, Stichting de Versterking

MORE THEATRE

Language NP Language no problem Time for Joy ITA Ensemble Theater Time for Joy
Close Time for Joy ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo / Bianca van der Schoot
04 Jun '25 to 14 Jun '25
Time for Joy is a comedic, sometimes absurdist, yet deeply emotional play that gently compels us to reflect on who we are to one another, on loneliness, loss, and our relentless pursuit of happiness.
Language NP Language no problem Bérénice Romeo Castellucci, Isabelle Huppert Theater Bérénice
Close Bérénice Romeo Castellucci, Isabelle Huppert
13 Jun '25 to 15 Jun '25
Powerful, feverish and nerve-racking. Iconic actress Isabelle Huppert gives voice to intense feelings of despair, desire and sacrifice.
Language NP Language no problem Trilogia Cadela Força - Capítulo: The Brotherhood Carolina Bianchi y Cara de Cavalo Theater Trilogia Cadela Força - Capítulo: The Brotherhood
Close Trilogia Cadela Força - Capítulo: The Brotherhood Carolina Bianchi y Cara de Cavalo
18 Jun '25 to 20 Jun '25
Overwhelming second volume of Carolina Bianchi's theatrical trilogy explores “fraternity codes,” sexual violence and misogyny in uncompromising and confrontational ways.
Language NP Language no problem The Hours
on Tour
ITA Ensemble Theater The Hours
Close The Hours ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo
20 Jun '25 to 22 Jun '25
The stage adaptation of Michael Cunningham's The Hours.
Language NP Language no problem ROHTKO Lukasz Twarkowski, Anka Herbut, Dailes Teatris Theater ROHTKO
Close ROHTKO Lukasz Twarkowski, Anka Herbut, Dailes Teatris
25 Jun '25 to 28 Jun '25
How does the value of originals differ from that of copies? Łukasz Twarkowski searches for answers in his performance full of rousing beats and video projections.
Language NP Language no problem The seasons Het Nationale Theater, Eric de Vroedt Theater The seasons
Close The seasons Het Nationale Theater, Eric de Vroedt
27 Jun '25 to 29 Jun '25
Where do you find hope in an upside-down world?
Language NP Language no problem The Years
on Tour
ITA Ensemble Theater The Years
Close The Years ITA Ensemble
13 Jul '25 to 14 Jul '25
“Nothing short of theatrical magic. [...] A celebratory explosion of language and acting.” – De Nederlandse Toneeljury. Due to its great success, The Years by Het Nationale Theater returns in 2024!
Language NP Language no problem DORIAN: portret van een onstilbare Club WILD Theater DORIAN: portret van een onstilbare
Close DORIAN: portret van een onstilbare Club WILD
28 Jul '25 to 29 Jul '25
DORIAN is a queer adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. The story explores the search for one's true self and the concealment of it, as well as themes of hedonism and beauty.
Language NP Language no problem Jongens Thor Braun Theater Jongens
Close Jongens Thor Braun
31 Jul '25 to 01 Aug '25
Jongens is a passionate immersion into the work of the controversial filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini. An extravagant yet intimate monologue about the longing for love and sexuality.
Language NP Language no problem The Wall ITA Ensemble Theater The Wall
Close The Wall ITA Ensemble
21 Aug '25 to 26 Apr '26
A middle-aged woman spends a few days at a friends' game lodge in the Alps.
Language NP Language no problem The End of Eddy
ITA Ensemble Theater The End of Eddy
Close The End of Eddy ITA Ensemble
25 Aug '25 to 06 Jun '26
Édouard Louis took the world by storm with his successful autobiographical novel The End of Eddy. Without much frills, the novel tells the life story of a homosexual boy growing up in a homophobic environment.
Language NP Language no problem Time for Joy ITA Ensemble Theater Time for Joy
Close Time for Joy ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo / Bianca van der Schoot
11 Sep '25 to 28 Sep '25
Time for Joy is a comedic, sometimes absurdist, yet deeply emotional play that gently compels us to reflect on who we are to one another, on loneliness, loss, and our relentless pursuit of happiness.
Language NP Language no problem Yanasei (6+) Danstheater Aya / Ryan Djojokarso dans-familie Yanasei (6+)
Close Yanasei (6+) Danstheater Aya / Ryan Djojokarso
21 Sep '25 to 22 Sep '25
A captivating dance and music performance for ages 6 and up about the journey to Yanasei (pronounced: yan-na-see): Surinamese for the afterlife.
Language NP Language no problem De seizoenen Het Nationale Theater / Eric de Vroedt Theater De seizoenen
Close De seizoenen Het Nationale Theater / Eric de Vroedt
03 Oct '25 to 05 Oct '25
Experience an all-inclusive theater journey that takes you through all four seasons over seven immersive hours. Enjoy seasonal side dishes and drinks, all included with your ticket.
Language NP Language no problem Minor Music at the End of the World by Saidiya Hartman Hartwig Art Foundation / Directed by Sarah Benson featuring André Holland, Okwui Okpokwasili and film by Arthur Jafa Theater Minor Music at the End of the World by Saidiya Hartman
Close Minor Music at the End of the World by Saidiya Hartman Hartwig Art Foundation / Directed by Sarah Benson featuring André Holland, Okwui Okpokwasili and film by Arthur Jafa
03 Oct '25 to 05 Oct '25
Minor Music at the End of the World is a performance in three movements based on Saidiya Hartman’s acclaimed essays, The End of White Supremacy: An American Romance and Litany for Grieving Sisters.
Language NP Language no problem The Laws ITA Ensemble Theater The Laws
Close The Laws ITA Ensemble
09 Oct '25 to 23 Nov '25
Who are you without someone else? In The Laws, based on the novel by Connie Palmen, director Eline Arbo takes you on the journey of a woman in search of herself.
Language NP Language no problem Phaedra in vlammen Het Nationale Theater / Ola Mafaalani Theater Phaedra in vlammen
Close Phaedra in vlammen Het Nationale Theater / Ola Mafaalani
11 Oct '25 to 12 Oct '25
Phaedra in vlammen is a modern take on the classic love tragedy Phaedra. How can a woman fight for her own freedom in a man's world?
Language NP Language no problem Kantjil en de Tijger (8+) Toneelmakerij / Oorkaan / Paul Knieriem theater-familie Kantjil en de Tijger (8+)
Close Kantjil en de Tijger (8+) Toneelmakerij / Oorkaan / Paul Knieriem
17 Oct '25 to 28 Dec '25
Musical youth performance about a hidden Indian family history
Language NP Language no problem Confrontaties (14+) Theater Utrecht / DOX / Casper Vandeputte Theater Confrontaties (14+)
Close Confrontaties (14+) Theater Utrecht / DOX / Casper Vandeputte
27 Oct '25 to 28 Oct '25
The musical, energetic, and heart-stealing theatre adaptation of the award-winning novel Confrontations by Simone Atangana Bekono (Best Book for Young Adults 2021).
Language NP Language no problem Prophet Song ITA Ensemble Theater Prophet Song
Close Prophet Song ITA Ensemble
12 Nov '25 to 22 Jan '26
Prophet Song unfolds in a chilling and not-so-distant future. When a right-wing, democratically elected regime rises to power, the rule of law begins to erode, and democracy slowly unravels. In the grip of a tightening reality, a mother fights desperately to protect her four children.
Language NP Language no problem Primeval and Other Times ITA Ensemble Theater Primeval and Other Times
Close Primeval and Other Times ITA Ensemble
05 Dec '25 to 21 Dec '25
Guy Cassiers, together with Hotel Modern and 11 actors from the ensemble, creates the world of Primeval and Other Times.
Language NP Language no problem Wie is er bang voor Sylvana Raymi Sambo Maakt Theater Wie is er bang voor Sylvana
Close Wie is er bang voor Sylvana Raymi Sambo Maakt
13 Dec '25 to 14 Dec '25
Wie is er bang voor Sylvana is a political thriller about courage, identity, and truth.
Language NP Language no problem HOPE NITE / Thalia Theater / Guy Weizman Theater HOPE
Close HOPE NITE / Thalia Theater / Guy Weizman
19 Dec '25 to 21 Dec '25
A play that focuses on the timeless struggle for justice and equality.
Language NP Language no problem Not Quichot Het Zuidelijk Toneel / Sarah Moeremans Theater Not Quichot
Close Not Quichot Het Zuidelijk Toneel / Sarah Moeremans
03 Jan '26
In Not Quichot, six storytellers remember their good friend Q, but who was Q's best friend? Through bold tales, they take you on their adventures with Q across Europe.
Language NP Language no problem Moeder van Europa Orkater Music Theater Moeder van Europa
Close Moeder van Europa Orkater
12 Feb '26 to 25 Mar '26
Mother of Europe is a story about the capriciousness of power. It is about the struggle to be part of the status quo and to make all voices heard in historical narratives.
Language NP Language no problem Giovanni's Room
ITA Ensemble Theater Giovanni's Room
Close Giovanni's Room ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo
15 Feb '26 to 01 Mar '26
Director Eline Arbo adapts James Baldwin's timeless classic for the stage. A music filled performance about love, identity, and the fear of being oneself.
Language NP Language no problem Copenhagen Trilogy ITA Ensemble Theater Copenhagen Trilogy
Close Copenhagen Trilogy ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo
04 Mar '26 to 22 Mar '26
A powerful portrait of a woman’s journey through class, identity, art, passion, love, and self-destruction.
Language NP Language no problem Giovanni's Room
on Tour
ITA Ensemble Theater Giovanni's Room
Close Giovanni's Room ITA Ensemble / Eline Arbo
06 Mar '26 to 08 Mar '26
Director Eline Arbo adapts James Baldwin's timeless classic for the stage. A music filled performance about love, identity, and the fear of being oneself.
Language NP Language no problem Gundhi De Warme Winkel Theater Gundhi
Close Gundhi De Warme Winkel
18 Mar '26 to 30 Apr '26
Theater that holds you hostage for hours with imagination and overwhelms you with violent text-based drama, only to leave you mentally liberated and physically purified, ready to face 21st-century life once again.
Language NP Language no problem Giovanni's Room
on Tour
ITA Ensemble Theater Giovanni's Room
Close Giovanni's Room ITA Ensemble
20 Mar '26 to 22 Mar '26
Director Eline Arbo adapts James Baldwin's timeless classic for the stage. A music filled performance about love, identity, and the fear of being oneself.