Prophet Song
Prophet Song unfolds in a chilling and not-so-distant future. When a repressive, 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 120 minutes
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 Jan
Premiere Sun 16 nov
Please note It is very dark in the auditorium during large parts of the performance.
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.
Reviews
Trouw
“Prophet Song is full of stellar acting performances.”
Het Parool
“Prophet Song is a devastatingly good performance.”
Theaterkrant
"Goslinga portrays her character's passivity with great conviction."
Trouw
"Salehpour is stylish and striking in her choices."
Het Parool
"Janni Goslinga embodies Eilish, the main character in the story, with great conviction."
Theaterkrant
"Ultimately, the most interesting thing about Prophet Song is not the carefully constructed suspense or the strong acting, but the questions the performance raises about our own responsibility for resistance."
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.”
Digital program
Read more about the story, the author and the creative team of Prophet Song in our digital brochure.
PROPHET SONG MERCHANDISE
For Prophet Song, we have developed our very first official ITA merchandise collection. It is a small, carefully designed collection that allows you to bring this impressive production with you even when you leave the theatre. Caps and T-shirts will be on sale before and after the performances at the bar in the ITA Brasserie. Take a look at the collection below.
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
directed by Mina Salehpour
adaptation Mina Salehpour and Lea Goebel
translation Tjadine Stheeman and Lidwien Biekmann
translation adaptation Aus Greidanus jr.
scenography Andrea Wagner
composer Sandro Tajouri
lighting design Mark Van Denesse
costume design Maria Anderski
dramaturgical advice Lea Goebel
assistant director Emma Deleu
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private producer Remke Schermer & Emiel Suverein, Rob van den Bergh, Hans Sauerwein
this performance is supported by Ammodo
City Talks: EveryDay Empathy
On November 27, The Bookshop will host an engaging City Talks event that delves into how empathy in our society is increasingly overshadowed by fear and indifference. The talk begins at 6:00 PM.
This performance is supported by
