A cross-cultural exploration of empathy, in collaboration with Slagwerk Den Haag and Senegalese musician Pape Seck.
Islands of Empathy (in a sea of chaos)
In our latest performance, we’re putting the idea of empathy at the center and explore how it can be the driving force in the way we live together.
Dutch culture constantly teaches us to be the best version of ourselves; individual and independent. Unlike countless other cultures where the emphasis is actually on the collective and much less on personal development. But what if your community turns so close-knit, that the gap with any outsiders only widens?
“Even without leadership, society finds a way to organize itself. Empathy is an important human tool in the effort to design a positive new system. In Islands of Empathy we look for the link between empathy and chaos.” – Roni Haver, artistic leader Club Guy & Roni
Islands of Empathy: The Warm-up
Looking to prep yourself for the performance? Read the program book or listen to The Warm-up. In this podcast, director Guy Weizman, dancer Angela Herenda and percussionist Niels Meliefste, among others, tell you everything you need to know about ISLANDS of EMPATHY. On the way to the theater or at home before you leave; this mobile introduction is always a good idea! You can find the episode on your favorite podcast app or listen below.
Exploring empathy
ISLANDS of EMPATHY is a collaboration with Senegalese griots; storytellers who keep traditions and history alive with dance, music and poetry. In Senegal, we spoke with spiritual leaders, dancers and artists about empathy and community. These intercultural conversations form the blueprint for our next performance.
In Senegal, we made the mini-documentary ‘The Art of.. Empathy’, in which we give an insight into the rich cultural mix of Senegal, the birthplace of our inspiration, and the artistic magic behind the creation process.
The combination of live beats by Slagwerk Den Haag and musician Pape Seck and the signature explosive energy of Club Guy & Roni’s ensemble makes for an overwhelming dance performance.
The Human Odyssey
Islands of Empathy (in a Sea of Chaos) is part of our Human Odyssey, in which, from a cross-cultural perspective and in collaboration with an international dance company, we investigate different human feelings (love, fear, happiness, empathy).
Islands of Empathy = Club Guy & Roni + Slagwerk Den Haag
Credits
Concept and choreography Roni Haver, Guy Weizman
Cast dancers: Camilo Chapela, Angela Herenda, Sofiko Nachkebiya, Adam Peterson, Igor Podsiadly, Awa Seck, Eliana Stragapede, Jésula Toussaint Visser mucisians: Pape Seck, Niels Meliefste (Slagwerk Den Haag)
Composition THYS
Light design Maarten van Rossem
Dramaturgy Friederike Schubert
