Arno Schuitemaker

Work

After After

"Set to a new composition by Aart Strootman and a brilliant lighting design by Jean Kalman, Arno Schuitemaker proves with After After, once again, that he is the master of transformation." — Critic's choice (Theaterkrant)

After After explores a world in transition. Arno Schuitemaker draws inspiration from a question by one of today's most relevant philosophers, Federico Campagna: ‘How can we help the creation of new worlds out of the ruins of our own?’ Embedded within this lies the understanding that throughout the cycles of history, each civilization has always reached a climax, only to fall apart.

Considering the nearing expiration of western modernity — which intensifies and accelerates all forms of extraction (economically, environmentally, culturally) — we are confronted with the question: is there a way out? Centering on the unshakable force of human connection and reinvention, After After delves into the exploration of how we can create new worlds, recognizing that a world doesn’t simply exist: it must be embodied, nurtured, and sustained through song and story.

In search of their own voice and ways of moving through the world, Arno Schuitemaker and a diverse cast of seven dancers present a transforming community. With a white canvas laid at their feet, they create a vibrant playground for reorganizing their relationships, our connection with the rhythm of time, and thus the world around.

After After is an ode to the attempt. The performance unfolds a physical score that embraces its own end: it dies from within, and then gives new life in the form of an urgent prayer. A dance at the crossroads of time.

Press
After After hypnotizes. — Het Parool

Recent Japanese studies show that watching sports is good for mental health. They should measure the effect of After After: plenty of space and energy flowing through your body as a spectator (…) It’s exhilarating to be part of that. — De Groene Amsterdammer

Find performance dates and credits below.

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Photo: Peteris Viksna

Credits

Creation: Arno Schuitemaker
Performers: Jim Buskens, Camilla Bundel, Ashley Ho, Frederik Kaijser, Orla McCarthy, Angelo Petracca and Paolo Yao
Dramaturgy: Miguel A. Melgares
Music: Aart Strootman
Light design: Jean Kalman
Scenography: Jean Kalman, Arno Schuitemaker
Costumes: SADAK
Technical production: Vincent Beune, Ruben Lijbers, Sander Schaart
Rehearsal assistant: Mark Christoph Klee
Vocal coach: Maria Magdalena Kozłowska
Production: Björn van Raaij, Lynn Gommes
Publicity: Jannes Heidinga
Photos: Peteris Viksna

The movement material is created in collaboration with the performers.

After After is a production of SHARP/ArnoSchuitemaker and is supported by Fonds Podiumkunsten, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, Ammodo, Fonds 21, and BNG Cultuurfonds. With many thanks to Julidans/ITA.

After After: "Masterful", Critic's choice Theaterkrant →