a decolonizing ritual

In the name of our ancestors who have survived indentured labor and colonialism, and those who revolted against exploitation, oppression and dehumanization. Through this ritual, dancers Fazle Shairmahomed and Devika Chotoe follow the footsteps of their ancestors in the fight for decolonization. Guided by the beats and sounds of ‘..Formerly known as..’ they set off on a journey towards the past to create healing for the future. The mechanisms and effects from the colonial past can still be felt, and through this ritual they create a joint moment to bring about healing and call for recognition of a shared history.

In this ritual we keep finding different strategies for decolonization, inspired by Butoh, Muslim funeral practices, Whirling dance, Waacking, and the Club.”

The is followed by an after talk moderated by Dee Dee, The Hostess with the Mostess a.k.a. Deborah Cameron.

Official Trailer

Artistic Crew
Fazle Shairmahomed, Farah Rahman, Devika Chotoe, ‘..Formerly known as..’, Ludmila Rodrigues, and Fred Janssen

Artistic Advisory
Junadry Leocaria, Valentina Lacmanovic, Stephanie Pan, Yun Lee, Ria Higker, Damani Leidsman, Deborah Cameron

This work has been possible with the support of CLOUD/danslab, Fonds Podiumkunsten, theater De Vaillant, CultuurSchakel, Cultuurfonds, Fonds 1818, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, VSBfonds, Stroom Den Haag, en Gemeente Den Haag

Background of Anushthan 

Podcast Plantenverhalen with Annet Breure and Farah Rahman on henna and incense in Anushthan, and the meaning of plants and land in spiritual process of decolonization (in Dutch)

Review by Siela Ardjosemito-Jethoe (in Dutch)

After talk première Anushthan with Deborah Cameron and artists

Dipsaus interview with Mariam el Maslouhi on Anushthan