Stepping Stones
We move, hoping that with every jump we remember who our stepping stones are.
After the successful performances Woiski vs. Woiski and De Gliphoeve, Orkater and Bijlmer Parktheater present the performance Stepping Stones; the third part in the triptych about the arrival of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. While the focus was once on the past, Stepping Stones now delves into the present era. A time in which the third generation of Surinamese people in the Netherlands is rooted and they navigate a world where awareness of racism and color-based biases is expanding, yet equality remains elusive.
Run time 90 minutes
Genre Theatre
Language Dutch
Please note: Unfortunately, surtitles are no longer available for this performance.
Stepping Stones
Alyssia and Brian – sister and brother – each have their own dreams and ambitions. The way has been paved by the generations before them. For instance, by their uncle Orlando, who became rich in the fashion world as a self-made man and through their grandmother Hedy, once the singer of the legendary band Stepping Stones. Alyssia and Brian were raised by their grandmother. They each follow their own path and seize opportunities that match their beliefs. But in their search for a successful life, it appears that they do not always dare to fully express themselves towards their family and each other. They walk around with secrets. How do they overcome the stigmas that exist in society, but also the prejudices they have towards each other?
Live music is the beating heart of the performance and of the family in Stepping Stones. The music of Hedy's band – jazz, funk, reggae and kaseko – is the foundation, which is complemented by hip hop and fusion, which reflects each generation dynamically and diversely.
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Stepping Stones is the final piece in the trilogy by Orkater and Bijlmer Parktheater. Previous performances Woiski vs. Woiski and De Gliphoeve were performed during the Nederlands Theater Festival. Woiski vs. Woiski received the honor of being named the best performance of the season by the Wijkjury (2018) and De Gliphoeve was selected by the toneeljury. Actors Michiel Blankwaardt and Dionne Verwey were nominated for an Arlecchino and a Colombina for the most impressive contributing role in these performances.
The same artistic team is working together for Stepping Stones: Geert Lageveen, Maarten van Hinte, Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld and Gery Mendes. The writing team is expanded with the young, multi-talented Roziena Salihu. The roles of sister and brother are played by Romy Vreden and Fjodor Jozefzoon.
About Orkater
For fifty years, Orkater has stood as the premier music theatre company in the Netherlands, presenting narratives that hold contemporary significance, where the power of music equals that of language. Orkater productions are direct, sensitive, daring and generous.
About Bijlmer Parktheater
The Bijlmer Parktheater stands as the modern urban theatre hub of Amsterdam South East. It serves as a space for meaningful and inspiring interactions between creators and audiences, fostering the convergence of diverse voices and perspectives. In addition to presenting performances, the Bijlmer Parktheater increasingly takes on the role of developing and initiating its own productions, actively and qualitatively enriching the landscape of performing arts across the Netherlands.
REVIEWS
de Volkskrant
“In Stepping Stones unfolds a beautiful portrait of several generations of Surinamese Dutch.”
Theaterkrant
“History and current events are, as in the first two parts, inextricably linked in Stepping Stones.”
Het Parool
“Writing team Geert Lageveen, Roziena Salihu and Maarten Van Hinte know how to cycle into your heart, with beautifully detailed descriptions.”
Credits
text Roziena Salihu, Maarten van Hinte and Geert Lageveen
direction Geert Lageveen
composition and musical direction Gery Mendes
actors Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, Fjodor Jozefzoon, Gery Mendes and Romy Vreden.
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music Sophie Anglionin, Walther Muringen and Lito Mabjaia
scenography Ruben Wijnstok
costumes Arien de Vries
photography Anne Claire de Breij
scene photography Bas de Brouwer
