Every year on 1 July, we commemorate the abolition of slavery and celebrate Keti Koti, which means ‘broken chains’. On 30 June, International Theatre Amsterdam presents a programme of music, dance, storytelling and Heri Heri to commemorate, celebrate and heal together, curated by our fellow Richard Kofi.

On 30 June, we mark not only the commemoration of the abolition of slavery but also the Independence Day of Somalia and Congo. This programme specifically focuses on a quest for liberation from the knock-on effects of the colonial past and afterlives of slavery. During that time, divide-and-conquer mechanisms were structurally applied to legitimise exploitation and dismantle opposition, protest and revolt. Thus, power remained in the hands of a small group of people.

Although slavery has been abolished, our thinking, our bodies, and thus our daily lives are still influenced by colonial traces, memories and behaviours. These oppressive thinking constructs hamper the coexistence of our country's diverse communities, which is why this programme focuses on empathy, solidarity and healing.

The programme includes the ritual The art and practice of experiencing/Becoming our space by Glenn Helberg and SHEBANG, a monologue by Anton de Bies, Performing the Archive: Flying Out by Luku Xam and The Need for Legacy and music by Ondrofeni. Afterwards, there will be an after-talk with Glenn Helberg and drinks with a DJ in the Rotonde.

The programme will start at 14:30 and will be in Dutch.

More info here