Sites of Memory presents – Space of Becoming 2026
A Dance-Theatre Collaboration Across Oceans
Space of Becoming is an international dance-theatre production bringing together artists from The Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. It’s a co-production between Sites of Memory and DOX (NL), nATANDA Dance Theatre (LK) and Jazzart Dance Theatre (SA). Through dance, music, spoken word, and visual art, the performance explores interconnected colonial legacies, systems of oppression, and histories of slavery, critically examining their enduring impact on societies and personal lives today. The work opens an artistic dialogue across these three nations, foregrounding hidden histories, creating space for reflection, dialogue and healing.
The world premiere will take place in the Netherlands, with shows in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Maastricht and Rotterdam from September 26th until October 11th 2026.
Research as a form of artistic practice
In recent years, societal shifts have accelerated the ways in which colonial histories are discussed, commemorated, and critically examined. Descendants of the enslaved are increasingly calling for recognition and reparative justice, while growing political polarization underscores the urgency of fostering meaningful, constructive dialogue.
Space of Becoming responds to this global dynamic through a transnational artistic collaboration that moves beyond national frameworks. It embraces research as a vital artistic practice, asking how we, as artists and creators, engage with these histories on a personal level.
This process is led by Katy Streek (theatre maker and artistic director, Sites of Memory), Luke de Kock (choreographer, Jazzart and Camissa Create), and Kapila Palihawadana (choreographer and artistic director, nATANDA).
Together with a team of six artists - two from each country - they create the site-specific performance, further joined by six local dancers in each country: emerging talent from DOX in the Netherlands, trainees from nATANDA in Sri Lanka and Jazzart in South Africa. This exchange brings a unique fusion of styles and languages, with each performer contributing their own language, culture, history, and aesthetic to the collective creation.
“What was once a site of captivity and control has become
a living space of resilience and connection.”
- Script fragment of Space of Becoming
Learning beyond the Performance Space
Audiences are invited to move beyond passive observation and become active participants, engaging with the space, the artists, and the layered histories brought to life. Extending far beyond the stage, the project is accompanied by a dynamic educational and contextprogram. Post-show talks, workshops, seminars, podcast series, and masterclasses create an environment for learning, unlearning, and sustained dialogues. The work is presented at historical sites and festivals. In the Netherlands, this includes sites such as the Maritime Museum during the Afrovibes Festival, as well as Nederlandse Dansdagen in Maastricht, among others. The production is thoughtfully adapted to each country and city, allowing it to resonate authentically with local contexts and narratives. Space of Becoming also serves as a platform where young and emerging artists collaborate with an international team of professionals, building lasting networks, and inspiring future collaborations.
About the Organizations
Sites of Memory (The Netherlands)
Sites of Memory Foundation (SoM) Develops artistic projects around our shared cultural heritage, the hidden and underrepresented stories of the Netherlands and the former colonies. SoM was founded by Jennifer Tosch (cultural historian and founder of the Black Heritage Tours) and Katy Streek (theatre maker and programmer). Since 2016 they have created site-specific performances about the hidden stories from slavery and colonial history. They collaborate with a team of multidisciplinary artists and partners both local and internationally.
DOX (The Netherlands)
DOX is the leading talent development and production platform for metropolitan performing arts in Utrecht and far beyond. DOX develops high-profile and refreshing performances for young audiences with a clearly recognizable message. Their productions are staged in theaters, schools, and at events throughout the Netherlands. DOX is actively involved in social projects both domestically and internationally.
Jazzart Dance Theatre (South Africa)
Jazzart Dance Theatre is a leading contemporary dance company based in Cape Town. Founded in 1973, it is South Africa’s oldest contemporary dance company and has had a significant influence on the country’s dance development. Emerging during apartheid as a space for creative expression across racial divides, Jazzart uses storytelling through performance to explore identity, history, and transformation, fusing contemporary dance with Africa’s rich cultural expressions while promoting social awareness and inclusivity.
Guided by its ethos to “Educate, Collaborate and Create,” Jazzart combines artistic excellence with education and community engagement. Through its strong creative output, training, and outreach initiatives, it develops dancers into well-rounded, culturally engaged artists and continues to use dance as a transformative tool for both personal growth and societal change.
nATANDA (Sri Lanka)
nATANDA Dance Theatre is Sri Lanka's first professional contemporary dance company which was founded by Kapila Palihawadana in 2002. The company specializes in contemporary dance, combining elements of Kandyan dance, classical ballet, and modern movement. nATANDA is recognized for its original choreography and its commitment to representing Sri Lankan dance on local and international stages.
Performers & co
Regie & Choreographie
Katy Streek
Luke de Klock
Kapila Palihawadana
Performer & Choreographer: Jomecia Oosterwolde
Spoken Word & music Performer & Maker: Jörgen Gario
Dates NL
26 September - 11 November
