A new family show about family, identity and the shared colonial past of the Netherlands and Indonesia

On Sunday 16 August, the new production *Kakek, Opa & Ik* (8+) by Studio Figur and Dawn Collective will premiere during the Boulevard Theatre Festival in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. In this magical-realist family show, puppetry, live cinema, shadow theatre and music take the audience on a journey through a personal story about heritage, family history and hidden tales.

The performance is inspired by director Noufri Bachdim’s family history. During the Indonesian War of Independence, his two grandfathers fought on opposite sides of the conflict. Drawing on this personal story, *Kakek, Opa & Ik* explores how different perspectives can coexist and how history continues to have an impact across generations.

About the show

When Novi discovers old photographs, forgotten melodies and hidden stories, a journey through her family’s past begins. Gradually, a history unfolds that is not only about her own family, but also about the shared colonial past of the Netherlands and Indonesia, which continues to have an impact on the present. *Kakek, Opa & Ik* invites young and old alike to reflect together on questions of identity, heritage and the stories we pass on to one another.

“This performance is the most personal I have ever created. My two grandfathers were on opposing sides during the Indonesian War of Independence. This performance bears the marks of the generations before me, who never had the opportunity to come to terms with what they felt. With *Kakek, Opa & Ik*, I want to invite both children and adults to be curious about each other’s stories. To make space for stories that have long remained untold and to bring people closer together.” – Noufri Bachdim, director and artistic director of Studio Figur

A deliberately chosen premiere date

The decision to choose 16 August as the premiere date was a deliberate one. The production will premiere between two historic dates, each of which holds special significance in the shared history of the Netherlands and Indonesia.

Every year on 15 August, all the victims of the war against Japan and the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies are commemorated. 17 August is the day on which Indonesia celebrates its independence, which was achieved in 1945.

By scheduling the premiere to fall exactly between these two days, the creators aim to create space for encounter, dialogue and different perspectives on a shared history. Not to take a stance, but to bring to light stories that continue to resonate within families on both sides of history.

About the makers

With *Kakek, Opa & Ik*, Studio Figur and Dawn Collective are once again joining forces. Studio Figur creates visual youth theatre productions for young and old, combining live cinema, puppetry, music and design. The company makes social issues accessible to a wide audience and has been recognised for this with awards including the WijkJury Prize for *Winterwater*, a Zilveren Krekel for *Toen Mijn Vader De Nacht In Vloog* and a Buma Award for the music in *GAMMEL*.

Dawn Collective develops and produces interdisciplinary theatre that brings together personal stories and social issues. The collective often adopts a documentary and musical approach, seeking new ways to make complex stories accessible to a wide audience.