Sribi Switi is the first children's performance by choreographer Lloyd Marengo, a hip-hop show with robotics, popping, and waving for ages 4+. Sribi Switi is touring the entire country from October 16, 2022, to April 16, 2023. We asked Lloyd Marengo about his sources of inspiration.

TEN TIMES COOLER

What inspired you for this performance?

Lloyd Marengo: "First, the performance by Nabil Ouelhadj, a choreographer from France with whom I previously worked on an international co-production. Nabil had created a children's show that was successful in France. That got me thinking. Initially, I wanted to copy it exactly. Later I thought: but that's Nabil and that's a French version of his experience, his story. It would be ten times cooler if I did it myself, incorporating my own background and conveying my own message. With Sribi Switi (which means sweet dreams), I create a dream performance for children. Secondly, I'm inspired by all those Surinamese children's stories and books. After some research, I discovered how important certain stories are to Surinamese culture. For example, the story of Anansi the spider, who appears in various ways in Surinamese culture. Additionally, I researched Surinamese lullabies, which are also included. The performance won't be too heavily laden; it's about the children, that's what I stand for."

ILLUSIEDANS

You're going to use robotics, popping, and waving. Have you done that for children before?

Lloyd: "I've given popping workshops very often because it's my own dance discipline. It works for young and old, big and small, everyone gets a smile because it's a kind of illusion dance. To give a small example: the whole world knows Michael Jackson's so-called moonwalk. The illusion of walking forward but actually going backward, that's fantastic, it still works now. There are many techniques like that. If you're experienced in that, you can really get people dreaming."

PERSONALITIES

Who are you going to make Sribi Switi with?

Lloyd: "I'm working with Neha and Gerson, two dancers who were once in my class during the HipHopHuis period. They have grown into strong personalities. Gerson is a good vocalist in that regard. And Neha is a strong female dancer, especially in the discipline of popping. Popping isn't one of the easiest dance forms; it demands a lot of your time, creativity, and control over your entire body. A lot is asked of you, and the moment you reach a certain level, you know: that person really had to work hard for it. Ruud the musician is multidisciplinary. He can sing beautifully, play instruments, beatbox, he knows about the culture and the music. You can go in many directions with someone like that, so they're also an important addition to the team."

SPRINGPLANK

Why did you want to make something for children?

Lloyd: "This is my first children's performance, but definitely not the last. If you want to change something in the world, you have to address it at the source. You're never too young to learn things. For example, about the barriers we still have in society. It can be about anything, but in this case, it's about colour and togetherness, a meeting of Surinamese and Dutch culture. I see Sribi Switi as a springboard. We all dream of a better world, and if you introduce that very early on and show that things can be different, children will adopt that from you. I can already picture all the happy faces, that's what I need right now."