Merel Severs returns to her self-built arena, where dance and martial arts once again converge in a battle for radical softness.

After her much-acclaimed production titled Try not to know what you know, in Coerced & Freely Given Merel delves deeper into the relationship between care, violence, exhaustion and resilience. With performers Matilde Tommasini (nominated for De Zwaan 2024) and Princess Isatu Hassan Bangura (winner Theo d'Or 2024) at her side, she channels her characteristic energy into a sizzling performance.

Challenging existing capitalist and patriarchal systems, the trio explores a world of intense physical exertion and gentle connection. As raw beats turn into tender embraces, the performers transform the stage into an evocative landscape of possibilities.

By going through the various stages of resistance, anger, depression and solace and coming up with possible alternatives, Severs and her fellow makers offer the audience a place where they can grieve together and also muster a new fighting spirit.

Marijn Lems in Theaterkrant , 18 May 2024

"Three women, six punching bags: an intangible performance about violence and vulnerability. [...] There is a moving scene in which Van Duijnhoven stands at an oscillating punching bag and sways along with it [...] A romantic dance with an object that is constantly on the receiving end of blows, but apparently deserves love too."

– Mina Eternad in De Volkskrant **** , 23 May 2024