Radical Space: Vainergill Thurnim, Rohan Ayinde en Diana Dzhabbar
Are divisions in our society inevitable? How do they affect the way we see ourselves and others? And how do they relate to identity and class? Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin already asked these questions in an iconic conversation about Blackness, love and art. Inspired by their dialogue, Vainergill Thurnim, Rohan Ayinde and Diana Dzhabbar reflect on this with dance, poetry and music.
Location The Bookshop
Run time 75 minutes
Genre Dance
Language English
Vainergill Thurnim, Rohan Ayinde en Diana Dzhabbar
In 1971, the television program Soul presented a legendary conversation between poet Nikki Giovanni and writer James Baldwin. They represent two generations reflecting on the reality of Blackness in a violent world, as well as love, family and the ways their personal experiences influence their art.
In Radical Space, choreographer Vainergill Thurnim, poet Rohan Ayinde and saxophonist Diana Dzhabbar artistically continue the dialogue. Inspired by Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin, they use dance, poetry and music to reflect on class, identity and the divisions that still run through our society.
Choreographer Vainergill Thurnim explores themes of identity, self-acceptance and love through dance. An emotional search for yourself in the other. Poet Rohan Ayinde makes space for echoes of the past and future, where poetry, video and music come together in a Black Hole. Diana Dzhabbar, a wide-ranging musical talent, plays with notable groups such as the "Brintex Collective" and "Sofaya," showcasing a unique blend of cultural influences. In addition, Diana recently established her reputation in the jazz and contemporary music scenes.
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The Bookshop, once a working class passageway to the cheapest seats in the City Theatre, now provides the backdrop for this encounter: how can we use this space to question existing power structures and explore new ways of being together? Through improvisation, bodily expression and spiritual jazz, these makers expose what often goes unsaid: who has access to art today? And what structures determine that?
Watch and listen to the conversation between poet Nikki Giovanni and writer James Baldwin in the television program Soul down below.
Radical Space in The Bookshop
With the arrival of The Bookshop, ITA introduces Radical Space: an initiative that reclaims theatre as a place for solidarity, empathy and artistic innovation. In this space on Leidseplein, we will give a stage to diverse voices and perspectives, exploring the complex legacy of (our) theatre and its social impact.
Following successful programmes such as Keti Koti 2024, Radical Space focuses on pressing social issues such as colonialism, class inequality, sexism and transphobia. Here, together with artists, makers and thinkers, we develop interdisciplinary projects that provide space for critical artistic commentary.
The Bookshop
The Bookshop is ITA's new cultural living room on Leidseplein. This compact stage offers a space for innovation, reflection and new perspectives. Here, makers, performers and visitors meet for special programmes, from experiments to intimate performances. The Bookshop is a place for everyone, with a focus on accessibility and openness. It is a gift to the city, made possible by the support of more than 500 donors and various funds and partners.
