The projects of Black Silk intertwine art and society, within an interdisciplinary, socialist universe.
This page provides an overview of current works
theater series | interdisciplinary | community event
BECOMING
BECOMING is a fluid bubble full of depth. Each edition of this theatre series offers a different queer perspective on identity and sexuality. Visitors immerse themselves in intimacy, sensuality, dialogue, art and glitter! At BECOMING, more is better, vulnerability is strength, party is depth and everyone is queer.
creators: Alejandra Zabala, Loulou Sjerps, Rikkert van Huisstede, Roxy Verwey and Sharmila Gabbana.
partners: Podium Mozaïek, Zaal 3, Theater Kikker, Schuur.
with the support of: VSB Fonds, Fonds 21, Performing Arts Fund NL, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts.
research trajectory | international development | exchange program
FAST FORWARD
Dionne Verwey has been granted the ‘Fast Forward: talent in international context’ bursary from the Performing Arts Fund NL, which offers mid-career creators the opportunity to spread their wings internationally.
Within the development trajectory, Dionne will enter into international collaborations with interdisciplinary role models:
The Nest Collective (Nairobi, Kenya), founded in 2012, has created works in film, music, fashion, visual arts and literature.
Cecile Emeke (London, United Kingdom) is a director, writer and artist, with an oeuvre that includes television broadcasting, independent film and visual arts.
with the support of: Performing Arts Fund NL
Musical | research | heritage
KAPSALON
de musical
KAPSALON de musical, is a ritmic narrative about Black Joy. The musical emphasizes the importance of togetherness, cultural heritage and intergenerational wisdom, via the story of a woman who inherits a barber shop, wants to sell it but is then confronted with the community that finds each other in that very place.
In May 2025, a research presentation was presented at O. Festival in Rotterdam. In September 2025, a 20-minute teaser of the work was developed for Theater Rotterdam’s season-opening event, TRACK. In December 2025, KAPSALON was awarded the Brand New Musicals bursary, which includes a guaranteed tour of 26 theaters in the Netherlands in 2027.
creator: Dionne Verwey
cast: Cody Schuitemaker, Shanice D. Redan, Melvin Aroma, Jahlay van Bosse, Amani Verwey.
music: Elisha Amonoo-Neizer a.k.a. EAN Music
co-creators: Theater Rotterdam, O. festival
with the support of: ROSE Stories, Musical Makers, HipHopHuis, Alida Dors, Nicole Geertruida, Loulou Sjerps, Cecile Brommer, Beni Csillag, LFMC
heritage | interdisciplinary | youngsters | participatory
Baila bo (hi)storia
Baila bo (hi)storia is an arts education project that emerged from the pilot ”Dans me je verhaal” developed by Layzmina Emerencia. The mission is to let young people discover and express their voice and vision through family history and art. It offers them the opportunity to see themselves as valuable individuals who can contribute to Aruban society. By working together with professionals from the arts sector, both locally in Aruba and in the Netherlands, this project not only aims to inspire young people, but also to position them as role models and connectors within their community.
creators: Layzmina Emerencia and Samantha Illidge.
partners: More Then Culture, Filomena College Mavo, ISH Dance Collective.
with support of: Cultural Participation Fund
interdisciplinary narrative | mini series | graphic novel | work in proces
ZWARTE MELK
A coming of age series about the self-reliant, nineteen-year-old, Afro-Caribbean Dutch Dana from a deprived neighborhood who makes her way through a new environment; the corporate world of the bio-industry in the Netherlands. In order to keep her brother and sister out of the hands of youth care, she must – against the tide of prejudice – prove her competence to secure her position within dairy company X.
creator: Dionne Verwey
partner: LFMC
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