Storytelling Festival Nijmegen

Aboust Soula Notos

This year’s festival host is Soula Notos. Soula is a versatile performer in theatre, spoken word, stand-up comedy and storytelling. Energy, humor, interaction, empathy and layered stories characterize her styleas a creator and performer. Her work focuses on themes of power relations, connection, equality, freedom and lightness.

About Anas Al Halabi

A storyteller from Syria. Nine years ago, Anas came to the Netherlands as a refugee, an experience that has profoundly shaped his passion for storytelling. He firmly believes that the best way to truly understand someone is through their stories—the tales of their life. His love for reading and listening to podcasts keeps him continuously immersed in the world of narratives. Through storytelling, he shares the richness of life, resilience, and the shared human experience, inviting you to know him, and others, one story at a time.

About Erwin Kiene

Erwin Kiene is an all-round performer, writing, performing and dancing, specializing in the style krump. Through music and dance, he brings his Guyanese history to life, revealing struggles, pride and humor. His performances are a celebration of movement and family love.

About Roxana Gavrilut

There is no doubt that Roxana Gavrilut is more ready than ever to challenge herself,to step out of her comfort zone, and to give a voice to the many hidden stories her body holds. She understands the transformative power storytelling brings, and she is dedicated to encouraging and inspiring those in her community to dothe same–take ownership of their narratives and turn them into sources ofgrowth. In her stories, Roxana blends playfulness, her cultural Romanian background with its rich experiences, vulnerability, humour, a sense of bravery and innocence. She creates a space where people are invited to reflect on their own stories, celebrate them, and unearth their ''enoughness''.

About Geoffrey Haynes

Geoffrey Haynes is a highschool theatre teacher, theatre maker and performer. After his first soloperformance 'Welcome Home Kid' (2023) he ventured into storytelling and started performing as a storyteller. He tells stories of his reconnection with his father and black American roots and his adventures as a teacher. Personal narratives that are woven in the greater history of our society.

About the Niemanders 

Between December 2022 and January 2024, collective De Niemanders (Rocco Ostermann, Wout Kemkens and Rick Wiegerinck) visited asylum seekers' centers in the Netherlands with a mobile studio in search of singers, musicians and their music and stories. Together they created an album that became a sincere collaboration between the people they met and themselves. As a result, the album is a mishmash of many singers and languages and tells the stories of their travels, dreams, family, previous lives “back home” and their current situation as refugees. Omar Alshahari, an 18-year-old boy who fled Yemen due to war and insecurity, finally found a safe place in the Netherlands (Grave) after a long journey. In Yemen, Omar already loved to sing, but due to the traumatic experiences of the war, he lost his voice. Despite the hard times he went through and rediscovered his voice in the Netherlands. Tonight we welcome Rocco and Omar to the stage together.

About Omar Alshahari

An 18-year-old boy who fled Yemen due to war and insecurity, finally found a safe place in the Netherlands (Grave) after a long journey. In Yemen, Omar already loved to sing, but due to the traumatic experiences of the war, he lost his voice. Despite the hard times he went through and rediscovered his voice in the Netherlands. Tonight we welcome Rocco and Omar to the stage together.

About Başak Layic

Ever wondered how to navigate the world of heartbreak like a pro? How to Be an Avoidant is here to show you the way. From kindergarten crushes to dodging love like it's a full-time job, join Başak Layic as she takes you through a journey of heartbreak, healing, and a few missteps. Expect laughs, maybe a few tears, and the ultimate question: is it worth living with a safe but closed heart? Başak is a storyteller, theatermaker, and Artistic Director originally from Istanbul, now based in Amsterdam. Her work encompasses theater, storytelling, and community-building, and exploring the complexities of identity and belonging. As an in-house storyteller at Mezrab (Amsterdam), Başak captivates audiences with narratives that blend humor and serious themes, illuminating the universal human condition.

About Ekram Jalboutt 

A Palestinian from Syria. She is a writer, storyteller and activist in the humanitarian field.

 * Deze productie valt onder de gastprogrammering van de Lindenberg.