Strange Fruit's

Sedrig Verwoert combines contemporary dance with influences from Surinamese and Caribbean culture, offering a fresh, transformative perspective. His new performance Strange Fruit’s consists of two parts: a reprise of Strange Fruit 2.0 and his new work The Red Palulu, inspired by the short story The Red Palulu by Coen Ooft (1958).

Strange Fruit 2.0

Originally created for TRACK: Sample, Scratch & Rewind at Theater Rotterdam, Strange Fruit 2.0 is a contemporary dance piece that reflects on the journey of Black people through history, combined with a critical look at present-day politics. The work is inspired by the iconic Surinamese children’s song Faya Siton - a song that references slavery and the colonial past in Suriname - and uses it as a poetic lens to look back on that history.

The Red Palulu

In the second half of the performance, Verwoert presents his new work: The Red Palulu, inspired by The Red Palulu by Coen Ooft (1958). Ooft’s book Spanhoek, named after a central square in Paramaribo, was the first Dutch-language short story collection by a Surinamese writer with literary ambitions. Inspired by the title story The Red Palulu, Verwoert merges dance and video projections with an original composition by Phantom Wizard, creating a visually layered experience in which past and present intertwine.

About Sedrig Verwoert

Sedrig Verwoert’s dance language is firmly rooted in contemporary modern dance aesthetics, while also drawing on a wide range of influences from Surinamese and Caribbean culture. In doing so, he opens up the field of contemporary dance to new narratives and perspectives. His work enriches the dance landscape and creates space for dancers, music, and musicians connected to the African diaspora.

“Sedrig is an extraordinarily distinctive creator with a unique language that effortlessly connects traditions – from ballet and contemporary to dance from the African diaspora. His work deserves an international stage.” – Alida Dors, Artistic Director of Theater Rotterdam

A new chapter

With Strange Fruit’s, Verwoert marks the completion of his time at Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam and the beginning of his own company. This platform aims to make overlooked stories visible, where diversity, inclusion, and art enhance one another. A place where research into representation, identity, education, and movement art can continue to flourish.

"My company is not just a stage, but an invitation to encounter, radical care, and collective imagination. A new kind of dance company: fluid, intersectional, and forward-looking. A place where bodies speak, heal, confront, and celebrate on their own terms." – Sedrig Verwoert 

Language no problem
The performance includes Dutch, English and Surinamese. Subtitles are provided.

Trigger warning
Some scenes and visuals may be emotionally intense or potentially triggering. Strange Fruit 2.0 contains explicit imagery referring to suicide. If you are thinking about suicide, please contact 113 Suicide Prevention via 0800-0113 (free, 24/7) or chat at 113.nl.