KINGS…COME HOME

Munganyende

Munganyende (born 1993, Kigali) is a writer, professor of Beyoncéology at ArtEZ academy, and organizer of womanist interventions that highlight the experiences of black women and refugee daughters. She writes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction and has received numerous accolades, including the Unesco Literature Prize, ELLE 30, and VOGUE Voices.

Munganyende serves as the chairwoman of the Steenbergen Stipendium photography prize and is a fellow at De Groene Amsterdammer. Her debut novel will be published by Pluim Publishers. Munganyende has participated in residencies in Cape Town and Accra and is an important voice of her generation. In 2024 they were part of the LOATAD Black Atlantic residency program in Accra. She lives between Dakar, Brussels, and Amsterdam, and prefers the pronoun "rich auntie." @itsmunganyende

Veronique Efomi

Veronique Efomi is a poet, writer, and songwriter whose work delves into themes of freedom, vulnerability, relationships, and transience. Nominated for the Gelderse Bokaal in 2023 by Het Cultuurfonds, she has made a significant impact on the cultural scene. In 2024, she released her third album, Herder, blending poetry and music.

Veronique's creations, often true stories with unexpected twists and layers of meaning, merge words and sound to create immersive experiences. Her albums are “musical poetry collections” that engage multiple senses and encourage reflection. Veronique is also a published author, with her debut book, Rijker Dan De Koning, a collection of autobiographical stories and poems written in a contemporary, flowing rhythm. Through her work, Veronique crafts narratives that challenge, move, and inspire. @vanoukae

Smita James

Smita James (born 1983, Nijkerk, The Netherlands) is a Surinamese-Dutch writer, poet, and performance artist. Since 2002, she has performed on notable stages like Re-definition and Poetry International, emerging from the Dutch underground spoken word scene. Her work explores identity, metaphysics, and the Afro- and Indo-Caribbean diaspora.

Smita has contributed to several publications, including Hardop and Atlas of Remembrance. She also collaborates with artists across disciplines, creating interdisciplinary art in the form of music, theater, dance, and film. As a Poetic Designer, Smita uses her texts as a foundation for audiovisual art installations, voice-overs, music, theater, dance, and film. Her work continuously expands the possibilities of poetic storytelling, blending tradition with innovation to challenge and inspire. @sjpoet

Ayesha Jordan

Ayesha Jordan is a multidisciplinary performance-based artist and creator. She is a 2024-2025 Princeton Hodder Fellow, supporting the development of Shasta Geaux Pop presents: Shasta Greaux Crops. Her research explores applied permaculture, regenerative community and ecosystem formation, event curation, and how these processes inform and intersect with performance methodologies.

Her recent works include the Gather (g)Round series. Other works include Shasta Geaux Pop: Blended Therapy (The Shed’s Up Close) and Shasta Geaux Pop performances at The High Line, Under the Radar Festival, Amsterdam’s Right About Now Festival, and La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW Festival. Additional projects include Come See My Double D’s (JACK NY), Enter & Exit: Family Reunion, Enter & Exit: Playing House, and Living Room Dance Breaks. Jordan has collaborated with Charlotte Brathwaite, Justin Hicks, Jo Collura, Tuçe Yasak, and David Sainté. Acting credits include Eclipsed (dir. Liesl Tommy), as well as works by Eisa Davis, Aya Ogawa, Geoff Sobelle, Brandon Jacob-Jenkins, Cakeface, and Jay Scheib. @ayeshatjordan

Daniël Pando

Daniel Pando, known artistically as Daliss, is a multifaceted performer blending music, theater, and fashion into his creative identity. Currently studying at the Herman Brood Academy, he has been making music since 2020. His work is deeply influenced by HIPHOP EARLY 2000s, R&B, Gospel, and Soul, genres that shape his distinctive sound and artistic vision.

Beyond his music career, Daliss is also a dedicated social worker and a sought-after model, having collaborated with brands such as Daily Paper, Bijenkorf, Vogue, and Go-Britain. His versatility extends to the stage, where he has performed at renowned venues like Paradiso, Tivoli, Melkweg, and 013, captivating audiences with his energy and storytelling. His breakout single, "Niet Spelen," showcases his ability to merge personal narratives with rhythm and soul. Whether through music, performance, or visual expression, Daliss is an artist ready to make a lasting impact—one song, one show, and one story at a time.

Giovanni Pisas

Giovanni Pisas is a professional dancer and movement artist, blending urban and contemporary dance with storytelling. He graduated from the Urban/Contemporary (JMD) program at the Academy of Theatre and Dance in 2019 and has performed with companies such as Dalton Jansen Choreography, Wij Zijn Dox, Backbone, Kip Republic, and the National Black Theatre.

Known as “The Floor Philosopher” in the contemporary and hip-hop scenes, Giovanni blends breakdancing's raw power with modern dance’s introspective grace. His viral freestyle routine Spin Cycle Serenade, performed in a laundromat, turned an everyday chore into an emotional journey. Currently, Giovanni is working on The Chronicles of Pop & Flow, a three-hour dance epic blending hip-hop and contemporary styles to explore the question: “Can you Dougie your way to inner peace?” Giovanni continues to redefine dance, merging technique with emotional expression in every performance. @_powiss_

Melvin Aroma

Born and raised in Rotterdam, Melvin Aroma is a versatile performer who brings depth, emotion, and musicality to the stage. A graduate of the Drama & Contemporary Music Theatre program in Amsterdam, he has collaborated with various theater companies, continuously exploring new ways to tell stories that resonate.

With a voice that can stir the soul, Melvin has a gift for tapping into the emotional core of a performance, fully immersing himself in the moment. Whether through spoken word, song, or movement, he creates experiences that transcend the stage, forging a deep connection with his audience. Always seeking new challenges, Melvin embraces storytelling as an evolving art form, blending theater and music to push creative boundaries. His artistry is rooted in authenticity, bringing a rich, dynamic presence to every role he embodies. @melvinaroma_

Revé Terborg

Revé Terborg is a versatile performer, choreographer, and movement artist with a global career. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Jazz & Showmusical Dance from the Amsterdam University of the Arts in 2011, she toured internationally, collaborating with renowned choreographers like Ira Kip, Wim Vandekeybus, Keren Levi, and Nicole Beutler. Her dynamic stage presence and artistic expression have made her a prominent figure in the world of contemporary dance.

In addition to her dance career, Revé is an experienced DJ and Dance Coach, creating Energy Systema, a unique methodology that merges music and movement to uplift and transform energy. Through dance classes, immersive parties, and her DJ sets, she empowers others to reconnect with their natural energy and express their fullest potential. Her work blends artistry and empowerment, making movement a transformative tool for self-expression and personal growth. @reve_terborg

Rubiën Vyent

Rubiën Vyent (b. 1988, Netherlands), an artist of Surinamese heritage, is known for her versatility in acting, singing, and dancing. With formal training in performing arts and extensive hands-on experience, she has developed a distinctive style that blends emotional depth with bold storytelling.

Rubiën’s work spans theater, film, and international campaigns, where she is recognized for her authentic and compelling presence. As a Movement Director and workshop facilitator, she brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to creative projects, emphasizing connection and self-expression. Passionate about creating relatable stories, Rubiën strives to ensure that audiences can see themselves reflected in her work. Guided by her motto, “Dreams increase in value when you act on them”, she is committed to turning vision into action and fostering community through art. @rubienvyent

Saron Tesfahuny

Saron Tesfahuney is a theatermaker, educator, and cultural artist focused on Afrocentric storytelling and community empowerment. Born in Eritrea, she arrived in the Netherlands as a refugee at 14, mastering the language and earning degrees in Social Work and Artist Educator in Theater from the University of Arts in Arnhem.

As a theatermaker, Saron challenges traditional narratives, embracing the African proverb: "Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter." She creates performances that reclaim silenced histories and overlooked perspectives. Her latest work reimagines the Eritrean coffee ceremony as a ritual that disrupts colonial narratives. Saron is also the co-founder of Café Liffna in Utrecht, a cultural space fostering connection, healing, and exchange. Through storytelling, ritual, and community, she blends expertise in social work, the arts, and entrepreneurship to empower others and honor African heritage. @sari.fifi

Nina Haanappel

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Nina Haanappel, born and raised in Amsterdam, is a theater maker and educator with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories in everyday life. Her love for theater is deeply rooted in her desire to explore the untold narratives of ordinary people. She draws her greatest inspiration from the city around her—the people who live there, the fast pace of life, and the countless stories waiting to be discovered. To Nina, the city is an inexhaustible source of creative energy, where people move, interact, and love, each carrying their unique stories.

Faizah Grootens

CHOREOGRAPHER

Born and raised in Curaçao, Faizah Grootens is an accomplished choreographer, dancer, and educator. A graduate of the Amsterdam School of the Arts and the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba, Faizah has collaborated with renowned organizations such as Holland Dance Festival, Korzo Theater, Het Zuidelijk Toneel, Herman van Veen, Laleget Danza (Mexico), and Taller Coreográfico Unam (Mexico). Her work has been showcased nationally and internationally at prestigious events and venues, including Julidans, CaDance Festival, Kalamata Dance Festival, Oriente Occidente, and in theaters and museums across the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Curaçao, Aruba, and more.

Amel-Che Parkinson

ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER

Amel-Che Parkinson, 23, is a rising talent in the world of dance and choreography. As one of the choreographers for Kings Come Home, Amel is making her stage debut—a milestone in her career that she describes as a great honor. Currently in her final year of the Dance Teacher program at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, she graduated in 2021 from the Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts as a versatile dancer. A born performer with a passion for both dancing and singing, Amel has dreamed of bringing her talents to New York City. That dream will come true in 2025 when she takes her work as choreographer for Kings Come Home to the iconic Apollo Theater. For Amel, the opportunity to work on this production is both thrilling and deeply fulfilling, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in her artistic career. With a combination of passion, dedication, and boundless enthusiasm, Amel looks forward to seeing what the future holds as she brings her vision to life on stage.

Ilgin Abeln

DRAMATURG

Ilgin Abeln is a Dutch-Turkish theater maker based in Amsterdam. She graduated in 2007 and has since established herself as a versatile force in the theater world—working as a theater maker, acting teacher, and dramaturg. Known for her interdisciplinary visual and site-specific performances, Ilgin collaborates with actors, musicians, physical performers, and dancers to craft immersive theatrical experiences. Her work frequently explores themes of migration, biculturalism, nationalism, and cultural identity, reflecting her deep engagement with intercultural dialogue. With an extensive international career, she has worked on projects across France, Brazil, Sudan, Curaçao, and Turkey. Ilgin’s dedication to innovative storytelling and artistic exploration continues to inspire audiences and collaborators alike.

Lynnée Denise

MUSIC & CULTURE CURATION

Lynnée Denise’s work reflects underground cultural movements, the 1980s, migration studies, theories of escape, and electronic music of the African Diaspora. Denise coined the phrase “DJ Scholarship” to re-position the role of the DJ from a party purveyor to an archivist, cultural custodian, and information specialist of music with critical value. Through interactive workshops, lectures, and presentations at universities, conferences, and performance venues, Denise harnesses music as a medium for vital public dialogue on how to transform how music of the Black Atlantic is understood in its social context and beyond entertainment. Denise lives and works between Amsterdam and London.

Esmeralda Tan

COSTUME DESIGN

Esmeralda Tan is an accomplished Costume designer and stylist from Amsterdam, celebrated for her editorial storytelling and minimalist styling. Her work, influenced by her Dutch mother and Surinamese father, explores cultural identity and expression. A strong advocate for inclusivity, Esmeralda mentors young talents and champions equality in the creative industry. As a costume designer she enhances visual storytelling in theater, crafting costumes that elevate the narrative and emotional experience. Her work uniquely blends personal narratives with cultural relevance, continuously pushing creative boundaries.

Neldrick Martis

SOUND DESIGN

A multidisciplinary creative with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. A graduate of HKU in Sound Design, he specializes in production, mixing, and mastering, delivering high-quality sound tailored for both artists and brands. Beyond music, Neldrick has built a successful career as a photographer and videographer, working with global brands. His international touring experience as a MC with TUJAMO—one of Germany’s most prominent EDM exports—has further refined his ability to create impactful moments for a global audience. His unique advantage lies in seamlessly integrating audio and visuals. He understands what works and how to make it stand out.

Earlnaël Bitoria

LIGHTING DESIGN

Earlnaël Bitoria is a passionate lighting technician and designer with a deep love for crafting immersive visual experiences in theater, film, and live events. With expertise in both technical execution and artistic design, Earlnael has worked on a diverse range of productions, bringing stories to life through innovative lighting concepts and precise execution. Whether designing dramatic stage atmospheres or enhancing cinematic visuals, Earlnael’s keen eye for detail and dedication to the craft ensure each production shines at its best.

Eddy van der Laan

SCENOGRAPHER

Eddy van der Laan, a standout graduate of the Utrecht School of the Arts (2005), is a leading designer in costume, stage, and lighting. He rose to fame as part of the celebrated duo Clement & Sanôu and made a splash at the Dutch National Opera and Ballet with "Waiting for Miss Monroe." In 2020, he launched Atelier Clement for solo projects. His impressive collaborations and exhibition designs at venues like the Van Gogh Museum highlight his creativity. Eddy also innovates sustainable living with Rotor Home, featuring stylish tiny houses.

Michael Lampe

COMPOSER

Michael Lampe, also known as Fellow, is a visionary composer from Aruba whose work bridges tradition and innovation. Drawing from his Caribbean roots, Michael crafts immersive soundscapes that blend folkloric rhythms with contemporary elements, creating a unique voice that defies conventional genres. Known for his ability to evoke deep emotion and tell compelling stories through music, his compositions reflect a rich tapestry of culture, identity, and exploration. Whether for theater, film, or standalone works, Michael’s music resonates with a timeless and transformative energy.