The International Theatre Amsterdam celebrates the annual event with two amazing shows.
Eight years after leaving the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama are looking for their place in society. Michelle is a bestselling author and one of the most influential Americans today. Barack travels around the world giving lectures while campaigning. But in a world of extremism and centre-right thinking, their relevance and influence are declining.
Duizend aanslagen op de Obama’s is a biopic that is made about the couple during tough relationship therapy sessions. It should be a compelling story about the period in the White House, a place where they never really felt at home. A period in which they continuously had to make concessions and almost never met the expectations of the black community in particular. Did they deny their own identity for the bigger picture?
Gradually, the actors who have to portray the Obamas get into trouble with their characters. Because who are you if you've had a mask on for eight years? How do you play someone you only know from the outside? The actors question the Obama's choices and motivations and challenge established beliefs. The biopic thus becomes a radical story of hope and change. Because what world do we want to live in now? What should we do for that? Is there still hope? Yes, there is. Is that easy to find? No, it's not.
Raymi Sambo Maakt is the name of the company surrounding director and actor Raymi Sambo. Raymi Sambo Maakt creates performances, podcasts, films and talk shows that find their roots in intercultural and queer society. The topics are current and inspired by events in the country and embedded in a universal theme. We show relevant and recognisable stories for everyone who does not believe in boxes and likes to break through their own bubble.
Duizend aanslagen op de Obama’s is showing on Friday October 4. More information and tickets.
Black Achievementh Month in ITA concludes on Thursday, October 31 with Terug naar Prinsenplein, a show by Gershwin Bonevacia. In this ode, the well known poet, writer and performer searches for his ten-year-old self, ‘Gush.’ .
Who was Gush, how did Gush contribute to Gershwin, and what is the origin of the emotional distance that has emerged? During this exploration, Gershwin, as an adult, encounters various traumas, skewed relationships, and taboos.
Terug naar Prinsenplein is an exploration of the past, family ties, and childhood. At the same time, it pays tribute to the fearless inner child while striving to rediscover that aspect within Gershwin as an adult.
From 2019 to 2022, Gershwin served as the City Poet of Amsterdam. In 2017, he self-published his poetry debut Ik heb een fiets gekocht, turning it into an underground classic. In 2021, his second poetry collection, Toen ik klein was, was ik niet bang was released by Das Mag, and he translated the children's book Zo klinkt verandering by the renowned American spoken word artist Amanda Gorman. In 2022, Gershwin was one of the writers for 3PAK. Terug naar Prinsenplein marks his first solo theater production.
Both shows are in Dutch.
Black Achievement Month is held annually in the month of October. The festival aims to highlight the exceptional talents of people with African roots. The ninth edition from September 28 until November 1 will take place is dedicated to ‘New Generations’. Throughout the festival, a variety of activities will take place, including debates, exhibitions, literature collections, workshops, spoken word, theatre, dance, music and film performances. The festival traditionally concludes with the presentation of the Black Achievement Awards.
