Dutch National Opera & Ballet
How Anansi freed the stories of the world
Dates
16-25 May 2025
Location
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage
Running time
1:15
Tickets
From € 13

Explosive mix of opera, ballet and hip-hop
Music, dance and imagination come together in How Anansi freed the stories of the world. Hailed in 2021 as “dazzling and imaginative music theatre”, this production is now back – with even more energy!
In a unique blend of styles and voices, the story of Anansi is brought to life in a way that will stay with you, full of humour, sharp wit, and the pressing question: how do you resist a ruler who controls all the stories? Enjoy operatic vocals and infectious rhythms, colourful costumes and sets, and a contemporary fusion of ballet and hip-hop.
Credits
Libretto and dramaturgy Maarten van Hinte
Stage director Kenza Koutchoukali
Musical direction Lochlan Brown
Composition Neo Muyanga
Set and costume design Dieuweke van Reij
Sound design Nina Kraszewska
Dramaturgy Maarten van Hinte, Wout van Tongeren en Naomi Teekens
Lighting design Mike den Ottolander
Anansi Thando Mjandana
Makuba Katia Ledoux
Tigri Frederik Bergman
Snake the Serpent Martin Mkhize
Sisa Leopard Carla Nahadi Babelegoto
Princess Vixen Claron McFadden
The Black-and-Yellow Hornets Liza Lozica, Sabra El Bahri Khatri, Vanel Djoko
Scratch DJ DJ Abstract (Gestow Power)
Drummer Carlo Hoop
Junior Company – Dutch National Ballet
Musical accompaniment Netherlands Chamber Orchestra conducted by Lochlan Brown
Co-commission and co-production Dutch National Ballet and Dutch National Opera
Performance for schools
We offer an exclusive school matinee for primary school students. For more information see here
Order tickets
Youth aged 35 and under can attend this performance for only € 15,00 (including booking fee), regardless of which price category is ordered.

“What I'm looking for is radical empathy”
Director Kenza Koutchoukali on her makership.

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
The Netherlands Philharmonic and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra have been the main orchestral partners of Dutch National Opera since they were established in 1985. The two orchestras, with the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam as their main base, are regarded as among the best opera orchestras in the world.
Photo: Anna van Kooij
Lecture | Dancing across cultural and national borders
In two public lectures in English, dance and performance scholar Gabriele Klein will once again place the themes of performances of Dutch National Ballet in the context of current dance and socio-political debates. The lecture related to How Anansi freed the stories of the world explores the cultural transmission of dance in a globalised world. What happens in this process?
Introduction
An introduction offering background information to enhance your theatre experience will take place 45 minutes before the performance. The introductions, held in Dutch, are free and require no reservation — simply present your ticket. They are held in the Souterrain.