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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe theme Need as Compass<\/em> is the thread running through the festival programme, which has served as inspiration for many creators. Both those on stage and the audience are invited to explore together the social, cultural, environmental and technological urgency we face as a society or individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The multidisciplinary, international ExploreZ festival 2026 opens with Best of ExploreZ 2026<\/em> & the premiere of ZID's latest production IN FIRE<\/strong> at Podium Moza\u00efek in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first part of the evening consists of the short previews of performances to be seen at various locations around the city over the next 10 days during the festival. A diverse group of new makers, dancers and musicians will present a programme of surprising, short performances in various genres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN FIRE - by ZID Theatre<\/strong><\/a> With powerful visuals, rousing music and intense acting, it takes IN FIRE<\/strong> takes you into a ritual of anger and hope. A performance for anyone who feels things should be different, and who wants to experience what happens when we keep moving together, even when everything is on fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credits Fade Out - by Issam Zemmouri (Powered by ZID)<\/strong><\/a> At Fade Out<\/em> dancer, choreographer and creator Issam Zemmouri invites you into his personal world of experience. Using contemporary dance, physical play and strong visual language, he tells the poignant story of gradually losing his sight, until the moment when everything goes dark. Fade Out<\/em> touches, chafes and connects, offering both people with and without visual challenges the chance to experience each other's perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heritage - by DAH Teatar (Serbia)<\/strong><\/a>, Dutch premiere We play and create in beautiful locations such as Podium Moza\u00efek, Plein Theater and our own ZID Theater as well as in unconventional places such as parks and squares like Tolhuistuin, Erasmuspark and outside at the Van Eesteren Museum. In this way, we create a stage for all Amsterdam residents and everyone is welcome to join in. Highlights include programmes such as Explodium and international guest programmes such as those by Perypezye Urbane from Milan, Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explodium Outdoors<\/strong><\/a> & <\/strong>Explodium Family Day<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Explodium offers young creators the chance to develop their work and present short solos or duets. This year, there are two open-air editions, each with its own theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the theme of cultural identity and culinary stories, makers share personal stories about migration, traditions and community, among others, where art and food connect. During the Explodium Family Day, there will be an ongoing programme of workshops and short performances around connection and friendship, open to the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both editions are free to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOpening of the festival: <\/strong>Best of ExploreZ & IN BRAND<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Premiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
IN BRAND is an explosive, interdisciplinary and immersive performance by ZID Theatre, directed by Karolina Spai\u0107, in which music, dance and theatre come together in an intense live experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Concept & Direction: Karolina Spai\u0107 | Co-creation, text & acting: Sebo Bakker, Nivin Baranbo, Daan Bosch, Dora Draghi, Issam Zemmouri | Costumes: MAB - Marija Teodosijevic | Scenography: MAB Studio| Soundscape: Jera Topolovec | Photography: Maria Morales | Production & PR: ZID Theatre<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What if you don't see art, but feel it? What if darkness is another way of seeing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Heritage is an urgent and poignant performance that exposes the invisible legacies of generations of women. Through a powerful mix of text, acting and physical performance, the performance explores the myth of female helplessness and the entrenched social structures of patriarchy. Actresses Ivana Milenovi\u0107 and Milica Popovi\u0107, regular members of the well-known DAH Teatar from Belgrade, Serbia, bring a unique style of acting that weaves text and movement into an associative whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPerformances, presentations & more<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n