The Lion's Den

Close
Julidans

The Lion's Den

Sabina Bocková & Johana Pocková (CZ) / POCKETART

Shows

Sorry, there are currently no available shows.
The Lion's Den
Sabina Bocková & Johana Pocková (CZ) / POCKETART

In the lion's den, politics and mass media are used for manipulation

The Czech dancers Sabina Bočková and Johana Pocková create a powerful series of images from politics and mass media. To manipulate or to be manipulated, that is the question in a pulsating choreography full of meanings but with a light touch.

Julidans
Julidans NEXT

Run time 40 minuten
Location Melkweg Upstairs

The characters expressed by dancers Sabina Bočková and Johana Pocková seem to come straight from the platform of a populist election rally. With their grey tailor-made suits, imperturbable facial expressions and grand movements, they have only one goal in mind: to manipulate us, the audience, into going for their Major Case.

In The Lion's Den, we enter the lion's den of mass manipulation. Bočková and Pocková personify images from political speeches and all kinds of social media, commercials and entertainment that come to us via TV, PC, tablet or phone.

-|-Every movement is calculated and precise, even the facial expressions of the two performers are in perfect harmony.

But when things start to rumble in the lion's den, under an increasingly intense electronic soundscape, Bočková and Pocková switch from manipulating the audience to self-manipulation. Oscillating between the roles of leader and follower, the lion's den breaks open and the two lionesses merge into an invincible twin. They end with a slow-motion scene full of pathos: no emotion, no gesture is sincere here, everything is intended to score – just like on our screens.

The Lion's Den is an exciting performance with a strong emotional charge and a high intensity. With a light touch but full of meaning, the performers play ping-pong with recognisable political and socio-cultural references. This creates room for interpretation and own positioning: why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated and to what extent do we manipulate others?

Like the biblical Daniel who ventures into the lion's den, we must search our own hearts, according to the makers. “The Lion's Den refers to the ambiguity when it comes to manipulation. It is an emotionally tense subject in which we have to face our own attitudes.

-|-Unlike the Biblical image, this is not an eternal divine law that exists independently of man, but a dialogue between us and the audience, in which the possibility of reflection arises.” Tanec Praha

Sabina Bočková and Johana Pocková are dancers and choreographers from Prague. Both are members of the Czech POCKETART collective, a collective of choreographers and performers.

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 ITA Pride Closing event Vrije Vogels van Amsterdam, Bamber Delver, Zjef van Bezouw, e.a. Perspective programmes ITA Pride Closing event
Close ITA Pride Closing event Vrije Vogels van Amsterdam, Bamber Delver, Zjef van Bezouw, e.a.
03 Aug '25
Bamber Delver is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ movement, a writer, activist, and one of the first openly gay fathers in the Netherlands. In 2024, he released De Vrije Vogels van Amsterdam – a heartfelt tribute to the city’s vibrant and free-spirited thinkers.
Language NP Language no problem Blaq Tito Addressing the Parliament of Ghosts Christian Guerematchi Perspective programmes Blaq Tito Addressing the Parliament of Ghosts
Close Blaq Tito Addressing the Parliament of Ghosts Christian Guerematchi
01 Aug '25
Screening of the film Crni Tito – Blaq Tito Addressing the Parliament of Ghosts, followed by an inspiring conversation with the filmmaker and various speakers on queerness in Eastern Europe and Africa.
Language NP Language no problem Ramses enzo Maarten Heijmans & Cor Bakker Music Theater Ramses enzo
Close Ramses enzo Maarten Heijmans & Cor Bakker
20 Apr '26
Pianist Cor Bakker and actor Maarten Heijmans present a musical tribute to Ramses Shaffy, full of anecdotes, well-known and hidden gems, with musical detours to Brel and Van Roozendaal.
Language NP Language no problem Rise of the Rainbow DROPSTUFF MEDIA, Theater van de Heelheid en Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid Perspective programmes Rise of the Rainbow
Close Rise of the Rainbow DROPSTUFF MEDIA, Theater van de Heelheid en Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid
26 Jul '25 to 01 Aug '25
Immersive theatre experience Rise of the Rainbow celebrates LGBTQIA+ history and emancipation.
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 Op reis door een nieuwe wereld - Ruben Terlou & Jelle Brandt Corstius Theaterbureau De Mannen Perspective programmes Op reis door een nieuwe wereld - Ruben Terlou & Jelle Brandt Corstius
Close Op reis door een nieuwe wereld - Ruben Terlou & Jelle Brandt Corstius Theaterbureau De Mannen
09 Mar '26 to 10 Mar '26
Ruben Terlou and Jelle Brandt Corstius explore the new world order through personal travel stories and encounters.
Language NP Language no problem Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: loss and unity Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid Perspective programmes Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: loss and unity
Close Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: loss and unity Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid
Join us for the live podcast recordings of Rise of the Rainbow at The Bookshop!
Together with inspiring guests from the LGBTQIA+ community, we explore the themes behind the theatre experience. Two episodes per session — with a free drink during the break!
Language NP Language no problem Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: Freedom and Resistance Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid Perspective programmes Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: Freedom and Resistance
Close Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow - episode: Freedom and Resistance Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid
Join us for the live podcast recordings of Rise of the Rainbow at The Bookshop!
Together with inspiring guests from the LGBTQIA+ community, we explore the themes behind the theatre experience. Two episodes per session — with a free drink during the break!
Language NP Language no problem Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid Perspective programmes Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow
Close Podcastopname Rise of the Rainbow Theater van de Heelheid, DROPSTUFF MEDIA i.s.m. het Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid
Join us for the live podcast recordings of Rise of the Rainbow at The Bookshop!
Together with inspiring guests from the LGBTQIA+ community, we explore the themes behind the theatre experience. Two episodes per session — with a free drink during the break!
Language NP Language no problem Medea voor een toeslagenherdenking
on Tour
Toneelschuur Producties / Angelo Ormskerk / Internationaal Theater Amsterdam Theater Medea voor een toeslagenherdenking
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 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 Keti Koti 2025 Internationaal Theater Amsterdam Perspective programmes Keti Koti 2025
Close Keti Koti 2025 Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
01 Jul '25
On 1 July, as in previous years, ITA commemorates the abolition of slavery with a special Keti Koti programme. This year's theme is shared heritage, dialogue and cultural expression.
Language NP Language no problem tamUjUntU Via Katlehong / Cia Gente / Paul Azevedo Dance tamUjUntU
Close tamUjUntU Via Katlehong / Cia Gente / Paul Azevedo
07 Dec '25
A dance performance full of rhythms from South Africa and Brazil, where cultures merge, bodies speak without words, and connection takes center stage: a celebration of movement and encounter.
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 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 Pride Art Expo: PEEKABOO Zjef van Bezouw e.a. Expo Pride Art Expo: PEEKABOO
Close Pride Art Expo: PEEKABOO Zjef van Bezouw e.a.
26 Jul '25 to 03 Aug '25
Step into a world of color, love, and creativity during Pride Amsterdam! The Bookshop at ITA transforms into a unique gathering space with the special exhibition Pride Art Expo: PEEKABOO.
Language NP Language no problem Tula Herdenkingsconcert NINsee Music Tula Herdenkingsconcert
Close Tula Herdenkingsconcert NINsee
17 Aug '25
Be moved by stirring music, powerful words, and a shared history that still resonates today – with eyes set on the future and a strong belief in one’s own strength.
Language NP Language no problem BREL Rosas / Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker & Solal Mariotte Dance BREL
Close BREL Rosas / Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker & Solal Mariotte
08 Nov '25 to 09 Nov '25
The Belgian dance company Rosas, led by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, returns with a new performance centered around the music of Jacques Brel. Together with young choreographer and dancer Solal Mariotte, she creates and performs the piece.
Language NP Language no problem Flamenco Biënnale: Mariana Luz Arcas Dance Flamenco Biënnale: Mariana
Close Flamenco Biënnale: Mariana Luz Arcas
09 Oct '25
Luz Arcas weaves traditional flamenco styles and Andalusian folklore into a soulful, expressive dance in Mariana. With live music by Tomás de Perrate. World premiere at the 10th Flamenco Biennial at ITA.
Language NP Language no problem Theater Forever: Aritzans / KH / Units Summer Dance Forever Dance Theater Forever: Aritzans / KH / Units
Close Theater Forever: Aritzans / KH / Units Summer Dance Forever
21 Aug '25
Hip hop legends, raw energy, and the power of imagination on stage: Theater Forever brings explosive dance.
Language NP Language no problem Bouzid Ait Atmane & Saïdo Lehlouh: Opening Summer Dance Forever Dance Bouzid Ait Atmane & Saïdo Lehlouh: Opening
Close Bouzid Ait Atmane & Saïdo Lehlouh: Opening Summer Dance Forever
19 Aug '25
An elegant soirée turns into raw energy: Opening is an ode to hip hop as a vibrant counterculture full of style, power, and reinvention.
Language NP Language no problem Willem II Out of Office Productions / NITE / Bostheater / ITA Music Theater Willem II
Close Willem II Out of Office Productions / NITE / Bostheater / ITA
10 Jun '25 to 02 Aug '25
A royal musictheatre comedy, based on the wild and wonderous life of King Willem II.
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 Amber Vineyard's Pearl Dive: The Rising Amber Vineyard Theater Amber Vineyard's Pearl Dive: The Rising
Close Amber Vineyard's Pearl Dive: The Rising Amber Vineyard
30 Jul '25 to 31 Jul '25
After the great success of our last Pearl Dive, where the legendary Mother of Sirens Amber Vineyard turned ITA into a red sea, we are eager to invite all divers to the next chapter.
Language NP Language no problem Safe Space Internationaal Theater Amsterdam Events & Awards Safe Space
Close Safe Space Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
02 Aug '25
ITA wants everyone to feel safe – especially during Pride. Not everyone feels comfortable traveling to Amsterdam in their ultimate Pride outfit. That’s why ITA is opening its doors, providing a safe space for Canal Parade visitors to change clothes.
Language NP Language no problem IVANOV Studio Antigone / Agaath Witteman Theater IVANOV
Close IVANOV Studio Antigone / Agaath Witteman
27 Mar '26
After Sophocles and Shakespeare, Studio Antigone now brings a play by the third great master of world literature: Ivanov by Anton Chekhov.
Language NP Language no problem echo_re_echo WArd/waRD / Ann Van den Broek Dance echo_re_echo
Close echo_re_echo WArd/waRD / Ann Van den Broek
20 Oct '25
In echo_re_echo, choreographer Ann Van den Broek and singer Gregory Frateur explore the attraction and distance between their personal and artistic identities, allowing them to resonate in strength and vulnerability.
Language NP Language no problem Hiphop is erfgoed Foundation Perspective programmes Hiphop is erfgoed
Close Hiphop is erfgoed Foundation
Hiphop is erfgoed takes you on a two-night journey into the world of hip hop - not just as a music style, but as a rich cultural heritage and powerful social movement. Four panel discussions highlight different facets of the culture: archiving, the role of the DJ and activism.
Language NP Language no problem Nomade in niemandsland Hester Jonkhout Film Nomade in niemandsland
Close Nomade in niemandsland Hester Jonkhout
After a stroke, Caribbean artist Felix de Rooy is searching for a way into his new reality. This intimate, bittersweet portrait highlights his pioneering significance as a queer artist of colour.
Language NP Language no problem German Staatstheater Rosie Sommers / Micha Goldberg Theater German Staatstheater
Close German Staatstheater Rosie Sommers / Micha Goldberg
21 Mar '26
A wild whirlwind of slapstick, panic, and self-mockery: GERMAN STAATSTHEATER celebrates community and joy in a world obsessed with individual success.
Language NP Language no problem Rhino Dance Marathon ICK Dans Amsterdam (NL) Dance Rhino Dance Marathon
Close Rhino Dance Marathon ICK Dans Amsterdam (NL)
10 Jul '25 to 11 Jul '25
Thirty years of dance as bodies in revolt
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 Prima facie
ITA Ensemble Theater Prima facie
Close Prima facie ITA Ensemble
04 Apr '26 to 14 Apr '26
Eline Arbo directs Maria Kraakman in author Suzie Miller's award-winning play.
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 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
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.
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 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.

MORE

Language NP Language no problem "Bless the Sound that Saved a Witch like me" Benjamin Kahn (FR) Dance "Bless the Sound that Saved a Witch like me"
Close "Bless the Sound that Saved a Witch like me" Benjamin Kahn (FR)
02 Jul '25 to 03 Jul '25
A solo about the scream, the body, and being heard
Language NP Language no problem (headbang) Charlie Laban Trier (DK/NL) / elieli (SE) Dance (headbang)
Close (headbang) Charlie Laban Trier (DK/NL) / elieli (SE)
02 Jul '25 to 03 Jul '25
Ecstatic headbanging for a more caring world
Language NP Language no problem My Fierce Ignorant Step Christos Papadopoulos (GR) / Leon & the Wolf Dance My Fierce Ignorant Step
Close My Fierce Ignorant Step Christos Papadopoulos (GR) / Leon & the Wolf
02 Jul '25 to 03 Jul '25
Bodies as musical instruments strummed by the waves of our memory.
Language NP Language no problem Every-Body-Knows-What-Tomorrow-Brings-And-We-All-Know-What-Happened-Yesterday Mohamed Toukabri (TN/BE) Dance Every-Body-Knows-What-Tomorrow-Brings-And-We-All-Know-What-Happened-Yesterday
Language NP Language no problem The Polish Project Maria Magdaleno Kozlowska (PL/NL) / Frascati Producties Dance The Polish Project
Language NP Language no problem Weathering Faye Driscoll (US) Dance Weathering
Close Weathering Faye Driscoll (US)
04 Jul '25 to 06 Jul '25
Moving as one breathing body, clinging to existence
Language NP Language no problem One One One Ioannis Mandafounis (DE/GR) / Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company Dance One One One
Language NP Language no problem When the bleeding stops Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir (IS) Dance When the bleeding stops
Close When the bleeding stops Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir (IS)
05 Jul '25 to 07 Jul '25
A spotlight on the female body and aging
Language NP Language no problem Romeo & Juliet - Up Close Erna Ómarsdóttir & Halla Ólafsdóttir (IS) / Iceland Dance Company Dance Romeo & Juliet - Up Close
Language NP Language no problem Physical Therapy - Sober Rave Session Connor Schumacher (NL/US) / ARK Dance Physical Therapy - Sober Rave Session
Language NP Language no problem Double bill William Forsythe (US) / Ioannis Mandafounis (GR/DE) / Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company Dance Double bill
Language NP Language no problem NOW WE ARE EARTH / An Orchestra Nicole Beutler Projects (NL/DE) Dance NOW WE ARE EARTH / An Orchestra
Language NP Language no problem FRANK Cherish Menzo (NL) / GRIP & Theater Utrecht i.c.w. Dance on Ensemble Dance FRANK
Language NP Language no problem Maldonne Leïla Ka (FR) Dance Maldonne
Close Maldonne Leïla Ka (FR)
09 Jul '25 to 10 Jul '25
The many faces of femininity expressed in a kaleidoscope of dresses
Language NP Language no problem BORDA Lia Rodrigues (BR) Dance BORDA
Close BORDA Lia Rodrigues (BR)
10 Jul '25 to 12 Jul '25
Boundaries can be opportunities to connect the world
Language NP Language no problem Rhino Dance Marathon ICK Dans Amsterdam (NL) Dance Rhino Dance Marathon
Close Rhino Dance Marathon ICK Dans Amsterdam (NL)
10 Jul '25 to 11 Jul '25
Thirty years of dance as bodies in revolt
Language NP Language no problem echo_re_echo Ann Van den Broek (NL/BE) / WArd/waRD Dance echo_re_echo
Language NP Language no problem Fatigue Viktor Szeri (HU) Dance Fatigue
Close Fatigue Viktor Szeri (HU)
11 Jul '25 to 12 Jul '25
A captivating exploration through the physical and mental struggle of burnout
Language NP Language no problem Tolon ké! Serge Aimé Coulibaly (BF/BE) / Faso Danse Théâtre Dance Tolon ké!
Close Tolon ké! Serge Aimé Coulibaly (BF/BE) / Faso Danse Théâtre
11 Jul '25
A celebration of life in music, dance and the rhythm of the heart
Language NP Language no problem ATSUMORI Catarina Miranda (PT) Dance ATSUMORI
Close ATSUMORI Catarina Miranda (PT)
11 Jul '25
Sci-fi dance between shadow and light, inspired by Japanese Noh theatre
Language NP Language no problem Xx-63 Trevoga Collective (NL/BG) Dance Xx-63
Close Xx-63 Trevoga Collective (NL/BG)
12 Jul '25 to 13 Jul '25
The white capitalist body is not a temple but an abandoned shopping mall
Language NP Language no problem RHINO David Raymond & Tiffany Tregarthen (CA) / Out Innerspace Dance RHINO
Close RHINO David Raymond & Tiffany Tregarthen (CA) / Out Innerspace
12 Jul '25 to 13 Jul '25
Visual spectacle about transformation on the threshold of destruction
Language NP Language no problem WASCO! Lisbeth Gruwez & Maarten Van Cauwenberghe (BE) / hetpaleis & Voetvolk Dance WASCO!
Close WASCO! Lisbeth Gruwez & Maarten Van Cauwenberghe (BE) / hetpaleis & Voetvolk
13 Jul '25
A society in miniature full of color, music and unaffected expression