Festival Sounds of Us (English translation)

The Sounds of Us Festival presents cultural expressions from Suriname and Caribbean Netherlands that trace their roots to West-Africa and and refer to the Dutch colonial and slavery past. How do artists draw from these powerful traditions, and what stories do they want to tell? How do young artists translate African influences into their own artistic expressions? Who are their historical heroes? How do they give African diaspora art a prominent place in the Netherlands?

In the venues Theater De Vaillant and Filmhuis Den Haag, the festival offers concerts, children’s theater, films, lectures, workshops, and a colorful market from November 30 to December 8. Visitors can explore rituals, rhythms, stories, spoken word, literature, fashion, and food from Suriname and Caribbean Netherlands, that are deeply rooted in Africa.

A selection from the program:

•  Lecture “Holding Space” by Aminata Cairo (November 30, De Vaillant)
•  Film program including the screening of Dubbelspel (December 4, Filmhuis Den Haag)
• Presentation of Afro-rhythms kawina, gnawa, and tambú with Armando Samuel, Amin Daci and Alen Inecia (December 6, De Vaillant)
• Musical presentation by Marlon Francis on future kawina (December 6, De Vaillant)
•  Glodi Mbwete presents ‘Rooted in Africa’ with young The Hague-based spoken word artists from the African diaspora (December 6, De Vaillant)
• Tribute to Frank Martinus Arion with lectures, readings, music, and dance (December 7, De Vaillant)
• Dance performance Tambú & hip-hop by Juersson Hermanus (December 7, De Vaillant)
• Tribute to Anton de Kom with lecture by Ida Does and concert by Ronald Snijders Band (December 7, De Vaillant)
• Music by Tipico Den Haag (December 8, De Vaillant)
• Caribbean songs for children by Izaline Calister (December 8, De Vaillant)
• Creative headscarf tying demonstration by Diana Ritfeld (December 8, De Vaillant)
• Hair fashion workshop by Cheraldine Osepa (December 8, De Vaillant)
• Fashion show by Afimo featuring clothing from the diverse Surinamese population (December 8, De Vaillant

**Sounds of Us** is an initiative by Theater De Vaillant, Haagse Verbindende Initiatieven in collaboration with Dutch Caribbean Bookclub, OCAN, Culture Connection, Afimo, Tipico Den Haag, Filmhuis Den Haag, and many others. DB Consult curated the program with the Hague-based partners and developed the festival concept.