The performance KABITENI is full of Surinamese awasa dance. This dance was developed by the Maroons; Surinamese people who were the first to escape slavery and live in the interior. Awadans is fun to watch, but even more fun to learn! Therefore, we are offering a free Awasa dance workshop for the premiere of KABITENI on Friday, November 7th, at Theatre Zuidplein, and a shorter version on Suriname's Independence Day, November 25th, for the performance at Theatre de Krakeling.

The workshop in the foyer of the Zuidplein Theatre, before the premiere, is at 7:00 PM and is being given free of charge by Nyanga Weder. She has been delving into the history of Suriname and the Maroons since her childhood. She has also been dancing since a young age. Now she teaches others about the different Maroon dance styles, including the awasa dance: an expressive dance style that exudes strength, joy, and community. Besides Awasa, you'll also get acquainted with other Maroon dance styles like Aleke and Banamba – each with their own rhythms and movements. She teaches you the rhythm, culture, and tradition in motion. We dance together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You can register for free via:https://forms.gle/3ejJ2HTQFSQWUMxX7

After the workshop, you can go to the premiere of KABITENI. You need to buy a separate ticket for this.

Can't you come on Friday, October 7th? Or would you prefer a short workshop in Amsterdam? That's possible! On Suriname's Independence Day, Tuesday, November 25th, we are offering a short awasa dance workshop for the performance at Theatre De Krakeling. This workshop is also free and is given by Angelika, who plays the captain in the performance. You can sign up for that here. If you want to go to the show afterwards, you'll also need to buy a separate ticket for that.

KABITENI

HIPHOP MEETS SURINAAMSE DANS (14+)

Let yourself be transported to Bendikonde, a Surinamese village, where Georgetina, the 'kabiteni' (captain), is at the helm. Her singing and stories, combined with the energetic hip-hop and Surinamese Awasa dance of the four other outspoken performers, form the heartbeat of KABITENI. They take you into the story of the village against a backdrop of visuals filmed in the interior of Suriname. The performance is surrounded by eclectic, warm, and rousing compositions, inspired by hip-hop, Awasa rhythms, and life by the river.

This way, you'll feel like a real 'Kabiteni' and experience the challenges that the brave Georgetina faces. She has to balance between tradition and innovation, between how things always were and now. With this, she is safeguarding the future of her community, which once resisted slavery. The performance translates this resistance and strength into today's vibrant hip-hop culture.

KABITENI energetically brings together a unique history, culture, and innovation in a rich mix of music, spoken word, dance, and visuals.

Play period: November 2025 to February 2026