Aren’t we all gelukszoekers?
Sawa Collective
Location: Likeminds Noord, Studio Cube & Theater Bellevue, Klein Bellevue
- GENRE: Social Arts, Theatre
- THEME: Changing the Norm, Connection, IdentiWho?, Systems under pressure
- LANGUAGE: English
- CONTENT NOTE: In this performance suicide is mentioned, This performance mentions trauma, This performance uses sound effects related to war
- ACCESSIBILITY: Assistance dogs welcome, Genderneutral toilets, Specific accessibility description, check 'locations and accessibility' for more info, Toilet for wheelchair users
info
Four young people in a room.
A clock that ticks but doesn’t seem to move.
An uncertain future and a turbulent past.
Entangled in the labyrinth of the system.
A waiting room filled with hope, frustration, powerlessness, humor, dreams, and solidarity.
Welcome to the AZC is an interactive theatre performance in which youth in the asylum process share their own reality. Through play, storytelling and sharp interaction with the audience, they offer a rare glimpse behind the closed doors of the AZC. The performance seeks connection, but does not shy away from confrontation. Because who is actually the integration problem?
This performance is a co-creation with young adults from Syria, Turkey, Sudan and Afghanistan, directed by Alaa Shehada and with actor Yazan al Hakim. The cast consists of non-professional actors performing scenes based on their own lives. The project was developed by SAWA Collective, a community of young asylum seekers committed to visibility and connection.
After each performance, a 30-45 minute post-show discussion takes place. You are very welcome to attend, but it is optional.
Biography
SAWA Collective Foundation supports the welfare and promotes the interests of young adult asylum seekers aged 18 and over staying in emergency shelters in Amsterdam. Through connecting activities that bring these young people together we form a bridge to Dutch society. Want to collaborate or support us? Visit us at www.sawacollective.nl
credits
This piece was established with incredible willpower, a bundling of energy, hope and lots of solidarity within the many boundaries and limits of a broken migration- and asylum system. Special thanks to VSB Fonds and Gemeente Amsterdam for their financial support and offering a stage for unheard voices.
Concept: SAWA Collective & Alaa Shehada
Regie: Alaa Shehada
Tekst: Alaa Shehada & Yazan al Hakim
Spel: Mahmoud Daloul, Emirhan Batkitar, Modather Hamid, Yahya Ahmed, Yazan al Hakim
Techniek: Ira Helfferich
Productie: Marie-José van Schaik en Anouk Tijnagel
Film & Fotografie: Mustafa Staiti, Ehab Ghafri