CONTRA
-
Thu 29 Oct '2620:30 - 21:45Philipszaal
In a stimulating mix of dance, text and live music, five dancers, two musicians and an ME bus show a glimpse into the minds and hearts of a number of police officers. What does it mean to enforce the law in a world of chaos? How do you stay human in a system that creaks?
CONTRA exposes the tensions between power and service, ideals and reality. From racism and bureaucracy to the will to make a difference. The performance is based on true stories, obtained through current journalistic research and interviews with those directly involved, with a focus on social imperfections.
"If you don't divide the world into heroes and villains, if you are really curious about the other, then there is room for mistakes, we all make them." - From interview with cop
- Suitable for everyone ages 12 and up
Extras for this performance
• In-depth program prior to the performance
CONTRA is accompanied by an in-depth program that explores the themes of the performance in greater depth. Before the performance, you can choose from two 45-minute programs. There will be opportunities for connection, reflection, and exploring different perspectives.
7:30–8:15 p.m. | Program options:
1) RADAR Workshop: Diversity, Discrimination, and Perspective | Kameleon
In this interactive and accessible session, RADAR guides participants through various themes. Using relatable situations, we’ll explore how stereotypes and assumptions arise, how exclusion is experienced, and why different people can perceive the same situation in very different ways. This isn’t a heavy-handed training session, but an active workshop that invites you to take an open-minded look at yourself, others, and society.
Sign up for the workshop via this link.
2) Philosophical Talk: “Sterk Zelf” with Gertjan van Dokkum | Philips Foyer
In an intimate setting for approximately 30 participants, educator, philosophy instructor, and advisor to the National Police Gertjan van Dokkum takes attendees on a thought-provoking exploration of identity, responsibility, and living together.
What do Donald Trump and a North Korean girl have in common? Why is the number of conspiracy theorists in the Netherlands on the rise? Why does freedom of education pose a risk to our constitutional state? These questions may not seem to have much to do with one another, but when viewed from the perspective of a strong self and its counterpart, selflessness, they share the same answer. In this philosophical lecture, Van Dokkum takes you on a journey of self-exploration guided by several key thinkers. The self that emerges through the development of self-knowledge, self-awareness, and taking responsibility: Who am I? What do I want? And what can you hold me accountable for? A strong self is the necessary condition for living happily together with others. It’s a lecture that challenges you to rethink how we view ourselves and others.
Register for the philosophical talk via this link.
• Stroom Meetup afterward
After the performance (9:45–10:30 p.m.), you’re warmly invited to join the post-performance discussion, where the creators of the show—led by Parktheater and moderated by Gisèle Mambre—will talk about CONTRA and the themes explored in the performance.
What the media are saying about CONTRA
“(...) the performers are dual-talented artists who combine dance and acting. Someone who delivers a monologue while simultaneously doing a backward somersault over a colleague’s bent back—you rarely check that. Stunning.” ( NRC ★★★★)
Credits
Concept & Direction: Maarten Smit | Choreography: Maarten Smit, Kim-Jomi Alstadsæter | Performers ( Dance and Acting): Davey Bakker, Amber Veltman, Uhr'lice Rosaria, Gyano van Straaten, Tijmen Teunissen, Agri Issa
