From left to right: dancers Kevin Thompson, Ciara Hiwat, and Angelika Naingie, Surinamese captain Georgetina, dancers Uhr'lice Rosaria and Djinti Sullivan, choreographer Lloyd Marengo, director Marjorie Boston.

De première van onze nieuwste dans- en muziekvoorstelling KABITENI op vrijdag 7 november in theater Zuidplein was een groot succes. De zaal was volledig uitverkocht; deze zat vol met bekenden, onbekenden én de Surinaamse kabiteni (Surinaams voor kapitein, dat betekent volkshoofd) Georgetina. Voor de première boden we een gratis workshop Surinaamse dans aan door de bekende Nyanga Weder. Bijna vijftien mensen kwamen hierop af en leerden de fijne kneepjes van awasa, de traditionele Surinaamse dans.

The performers danced their hearts out on stage. With their bodies and voices, they took the audience into the interior of Suriname. Wow! Everyone needs to see this! "I had goosebumps, a tear, and a smile," says singer Shirma Rouse, who was also at the performance. "They are amazing dancers; it's not normal what they do!" Other audience members were also impressed. I was so moved by it that tears weren't far off. "Wonderful!" says Jane Muriel. I really enjoyed it. I am now more aware of the strength of our ancestors. Thank you a million times! writes Esther Nijlhove.

After the performance, moderator Eloah spoke with choreographer Lloyd Marengo, director Marjorie Boston, Surinamese captain Georgetina, and the dancer who portrays her in the performance: Angelika Naingie. "The trip to Suriname we took as preliminary research, creating the performance... it brought me back down to earth," said choreographer Lloyd Marengo. "I grew up with an awareness of my Surinamese roots and the associated culture, but this performance brought me even closer to that," said Angelika Naingie about it.

KABITENI

HIPHOP MEETS SURINAME DANCE (14+)

Let yourself be transported to Bendekonde, 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

ABOUT THE MAKERS

KABITENI was created by hip-hop theatre pioneers Lloyd Marengo (choreography) and Marjorie Boston (direction), with assistance from B-Boy Dietrich Pott. In 2022, Marengo won the Golden Swan and Pott won the Young Swan. Boston is the artistic director of Right About Now.

The charismatic 'kabiteni' is portrayed by Angelika Naingie, known for the theatrical performance 'Traces of Her'. The performers have also made their mark. For example, Kevin Thompson previously danced for the National Ballet and ISH, Djinti Sullivan played the lead role in 'Giselle' by Toneelmakerij & Dox, Ciara Hiwat shone in POWER, which won the BNG Bank Prize, and Uhr'lice Rosaria received a scholarship from the Vanden Ende Foundation.

CREDITS

Choreography: Lloyd Marengo in collaboration with the performers

Directed by: Marjorie Boston

Assistant Choreography: Dietrich Pott

Dancers: Angelika Naingie, Kevin Thompson, Djinti Sullivan, Ciara Hiwat, and Uhr'lice Rosaria

Spoken word text: Angelika Naingie

Music Production: HAYP Music (Alvin Lewis and Patrick Mijnals)

Lighting Design: Jasper Nijholt

Scenography: Marjorie Boston & Lloyd Marengo

Photo: Kevin Thompson

Video: Jasper Spobeck

Costume: Meredith Joeroeja

Bookings: info@frontaal.com