Discover Amsterdam’s hidden queer past through stories, sites, and secrets on a screamingly queer tour through the city.
Backlash Media Productions
Location: Koningsplein
Dates:
- GENRE: Performance Art, Storytelling
- THEME: History Re-told, Queer Stories, Voicing the Unvoiced
- LANGUAGE: English
- Toilet for wheelchair users: no, Wheelchair accessible: no
duration of the performance: 1 h 30 min
We’ll meet at Koningsplein, next to the fish stand. The address is Singel 470, 1017 BB Amsterdam.
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The Big Queer Tour dives into Amsterdam’s scandalous queer history. This theatrical adventure uncovers centuries of hidden stories while venturing along the city’s iconic canals.
Join our sassy storytellers as they tell tales of forbidden love, resistance, and triumph. From the infamous sodomy trials of the 1700s to the LGBTQ+ liberation movement, discover the untold stories that shaped Amsterdam’s queer legacy.
As you discover historic cruising grounds and landmark gay venues, including the legendary Spijker Bar and Homo Monument, expect costume changes, hanky code revelations, and deliciously gossipy historical retellings.
Our performers bring three centuries of queer resistance to life – from secret canal-side meetups to proud canal parade celebrations and a possible last-minute wedding, it’s a queer adventure.
Part history lesson, part performance art, all tea – experience Dutch queer history like never before, served with a splash of scandal and a heavy pour of truth.
Biography
Backlash Productions, founded by Joseph Kearney and Brandon Oelofse, is an independent production company dedicated to authentic queer storytelling. Our mission is to create compelling narratives by and for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Joseph Kearney (43, Irish) is a passionate storyteller and LGBTQ+ advocate who has dedicated his creative career to exploring and celebrating queer culture. His work combines contemporary perspectives with historical insights, bringing fresh voices to traditional narratives. Brandon Oelofse (41, South African) brings extensive experience in film and documentary production, enriching Backlash’s storytelling with his cinematic expertise and global perspective.
Our upcoming Fringe show, ‘The Big Queer Tour’ marks our third festival appearance. What began as a creative partnership between friends has evolved into a powerful platform for queer representation and resistance.
In today’s challenging climate, we’re committed to using storytelling as a tool for community empowerment, creating spaces where LGBTQ+ voices can be heard, celebrated, and amplified.
We’re here to stay, and we’re proud to be exactly who we are.
