Prophet Song
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. As her freedoms are steadily stripped away by an unyielding government and a society that is rapidly losing its humanity, she struggles to hold on to her identity.
Duration tba
Genre theater
Language Dutch
Surtitles English, Thu 20 & 27 Nov and 8, 15 & 22 Jan
In Gesprek Fri 21, 28 nov and 9, 16 & 23 Nov
Premiere Sun 16 nov
Prophet Song
Prophet Song is a haunting mirror of our time—a dire warning about the dangers of political and social apathy. It is a cry for the freedom of expression, a call for justice, and a fierce defense of human dignity. At its heart, it tells the deeply moving story of one woman’s courage and vulnerability as she faces forces far beyond her control. -|-
How far will she go to save her family? And what, or who, will she be forced to leave behind?
Directed by Mina Salehpour, this production marks the world premiere stage adaptation of Paul Lynch’s internationally acclaimed novel Prophet Song.
Paul Lynch
Irish author Paul Lynch (b. 1977) won the 2023 Booker Prize for Prophet Song. The jury called the novel “devastating and true,” adding that “its warning will not be easily forgotten.” Lynch describes the book as an attempt at radical empathy—a plea to step outside our comfort zones in pursuit of tolerance, compassion, and understanding. -|-
In an increasingly divided world, with millions displaced globally, Prophet Song becomes a vital voice in urging deeper connection and awareness.
Mina Salehpour
Born in Tehran in 1985, Mina Salehpour moved to Germany with her family in 1994. She has directed productions for some of Europe’s leading theatres, including Schauspiel Hannover, Schaubühne Berlin, Det Norske Teatret in Oslo, and Trøndelag Teater in Trondheim. She is currently affiliated with Dramaten in Stockholm and the Burgtheater in Vienna. Salehpour’s personal history informs her work, which often centers on identity and the complexities of cultural and social diversity. Her visually striking productions bring an acute sensitivity to human stories—often exploring intercultural tensions, social injustice, and the search for meaning in a fractured world.
Eline Arbo about Mina Salehpour
“I’m proud that Mina Salehpour is joining us to create Prophet Song. She brings a distinct and powerful voice to the theatre landscape, addressing themes like oppression and the fight for freedom with a strong visual language and deep emotional resonance. Together with her trusted artistic team, she creates deeply human theatre that makes even the heaviest political topics accessible and moving. I can’t wait to see her work with the ITA Ensemble.”
Born in Tehran in 1985, Mina Salehpour moved to Germany with her family in 1994. She has directed productions for some of Europe’s leading theatres, including Schauspiel Hannover, Schaubühne Berlin, Det Norske Teatret in Oslo, and Trøndelag Teater in Trondheim. She is currently affiliated with Dramaten in Stockholm and the Burgtheater in Vienna. Salehpour’s personal history informs her work, which often centers on identity and the complexities of cultural and social diversity. Her visually striking productions bring an acute sensitivity to human stories—often exploring intercultural tensions, social injustice, and the search for meaning in a fractured world.
In season 25/26 she directs the ITA Ensemble in Prophet Song, based on the book by Paul Lynch.
Credits
based on the book by Paul Lynch
adaptation and direction Mina Salehpour
translation Tjadine Stheeman en Lidwin Biekman
translation adaptation Aus Greidanus jr.
scenography Andrea Wagner
composer Sandro Tajouri
lighting design Mark Van Denesse
costume design Maria Anderski
assistant director Daniël ‘t Hoen
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private producer Remke Schermer & Emiel Suverein, Rob van den Bergh, Hans Sauerwein
this performance is supported by Ammodo
This performance is supported by
