M8: Helstone
installation 10 – 30 minutes
(short videos ca 6 minutes + intro + short after talk)
Language: Dutch, Sranang Tongo, English (Dutch & English subtitles)
Sound: With headphones
First presentation during recidency at Oerol Festival Terschelling (NL)
What do opera and Suriname have in common? Who was Helstone, the composer of the first Surinamese opera? And what kind of world did his contemporary Rustwijk create on stage? This installation invites you into a reconstruction of Het pand der goden (1906), where stories from experts, musicians and descendants — alongside historic locations, archive material and music from the opera itself — guide you through Helstone’s journey. An immersive experience that weaves past and present together, sparking new conversations about history, identity and art. This research lays the foundation for a new performance set to premiere in 2026.
PERS
"Miniatuurtheater op Oerol verrast met laat-romantische muziek van Surinaamse J.N. Helstone" - Theaterkrant
"Brabantse theatermakers maken furore op Oerol" - Brabant Cultureel
Credits:
Onderzoek, concept, maker Mathieu Wijdeven
Video Lucas Huikeshoven (camera, edit, teaserfilm), Mateo Vega (kleurcorrectie)
Geluid Jamey-Leigh Resosemito (geluidsopname), Olmo van Straalen (geluidsontwerp)
3D ontwerp Gertjan Ruigrok
Bouw installatie Pim Kraan, Peter Leeuwenburgh
Campagnebeeld Lucas Huikeshoven
Helstone geïnterviewden Astrid Helstone, Isabelle Best, Ivar Mase, Marjory Helstone, Ruby Fernandes, Stefano Parana, Stephanus Tokoe, Terence Panka
Met dank aan
Theater Thalia, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, Judith van Wanrooij, Djina Bergraaf-Sanchit, Dave Edhard, Karin Lachmising, Conservatorium van Suriname
Producent Theater Rotterdam
Gebaseerd op muziek van J.N. Helstone
Geïnspireerd door scenografie van G.G.T. Rustwijk
Mede mogelijk gemaakt door Amarte Fonds