Ayoub Sadik

“Hottentottententententoonstelling” may sound like a funny tongue twister. The word refers to the Khoikhoi, also known as the Hottentots, an indigenous people in South Africa. This designation, originally used by Dutch settlers and inspired by the dance rituals of the Khoikhoi, is now seen as a derogatory term that mocks the culture and identity of this people.

Together we take the audience on a journey that breaks through the superficial playfulness of the title and reveals the deeper layers of discrimination and colonial history. The performance offers a critical look not only at the past but also at the persistence of such terms in our contemporary language and their impact on a society striving for inclusiveness and respect for all cultures.

Ayoub Sadik (he/him) started his artistic career at age 13 as a rapper in the premises of H30 and events of Mama’s Open Mic, where he combined rap with slam poetry. In 2018, he participated in The New Players, which led to roles in short films such as “Gastarbeiders,” “Rachid” and Ontroerend Goed’s play “Funeral.” To further develop as a creator, he began studying Teacher & Director at the Toneelacademie in Maastricht.

Director: Ayoub Sadik – Content and expertise: Don Moussa Pandzou – Players: Gingia Kaniki Masengo and Sabur Simbananiye – Choreography and costume: Zainab Lyoubi – Partner: Theatre Arsenal – With the support of MESTIZO ARTS PLATFORM/WIPCOOP.

Stay up to date on Ayoub’s work via Instagram.