News

This is not the time to be silent

With the appointment of Alida Dors as artistic director, Theater Rotterdam takes an important step in the ambitions for a groundbreaking, contemporary and open theater, rooted in the cultural and intergenerational diversity of the metropolis of Rotterdam. The choice for Alida Dors was deliberately chosen for a maker from its own ranks, enthusiastically supported by the entire organization and the maker ensemble. Walter Ligthart, General Director Theater Rotterdam: “Alida has been associated with Theater Rotterdam with her dance company BackBone for some time. She works at the intersection of text, dance, performance and music and is always looking for innovation. Her commitment and connecting capacity fit seamlessly with our ambitions and her powerful vision of the future of Theater Rotterdam makes her extremely suitable as an artistic leader. ”

Alida Dors: “The past 20 years my work has been fueled by the hip hop attitude; with guts I am always looking for dialogue and an unorthodox connection. I embody an inclusive vision of the world and theater in particular. My vision is in line with Theater Rotterdam's ambitions, and will simultaneously challenge these ambitions. Building on the existing knowledge within Theater Rotterdam, I want to make a case for a theater in the middle of the diverse city of Rotterdam. A theater that contributes to public debate and conversation through its programming and productions, in order to increase the scope and impact of the theater. ”

Alida Dors has been affiliated with Production House Rotterdam since 2015 and Theater Rotterdam since the merger in 2017. “I feel strongly connected to the city of Rotterdam. Family, friends, the hip hop underground scene and my further artistic development have been bringing me to this city for years. I like the raw edge of the city and its mentality. ”

The buzz around our powerful energetic performance Or Die Trying is getting bigger! For example, Djuna Kramer of the theater newspaper wrote "A strong, inspiring performance, about a battle that should not be fought out of despair and aggression, but out of love" and the Amsterdam's newspaper Parool states that Alida beautifully contrasts the powerful repertoire of four sportswomen against the moves of the strong urban dancers. Movement Exposed and I Love Theater were also very pleased with our performance.

Or Die Trying has started and can be seen until January 24, 2020

Did you know we've made a podcast especially for the performance? Both with the interdisciplinary performance and the podcast series, Alida wants to zoom in on the first migration flow that has come to the Netherlands and the two generations that follow. What struggle do parents pass on to their children to be resilient in today's world? What struggles parents have waged are relevant to being resilient today? Listen to Alida's inspiring conversations with her father, Guillaume Philibert (Filling Pieces), Marga Weimans, Jetty Mathurin and Nicole Terborg, among others.

Follow our podcast on Apple podcast, PodNL or Spotify

After a successful kick-off in the sold-out Theater Rotterdam, Or Die Trying will travel throughout the country. So check our agenda for a show close to you! At the premiere we've received many compliments and much love from the audience. Click HERE for the video.