KENKI KRIN KRIN is an interdisciplinary performance by maker and performer Cherella Gessel (she/he/them), in which different identities are peeled away layer by layer and rebuilt. It is an ode to their travels, research, and exchanges in Senegal, Suriname, Salvador (Brazil), New York, and Curaçao, and to their communities. As a result, the performance is steeped in Afro-spirituality, Afro Contemporary Dance, rap, Spoken Word, and pole dance.
What happens when various Winti and Orishas come together in Cherella’s world? They meet under their skin: a playing field of genderf*ck, the feminine Videovixen, the masculine rapper, the HipHopHead with a Black Panther mindset, in the form of a pop concert.
KENKI KRIN KRIN – transformation to sincerity in Sranantongo – follows the path of emotional repression from a vulnerable child to a powerful, outspoken Black queer personality. Like an associative journey, the boundaries between the traditional and the contemporary, the spiritual and the earthly, will blur.
The performance is a representation of vulnerability and conformity, moving towards freedom, sensuality, and self-determination. We see a person claiming their place in life, the community, and the arts. At a time when being queer is under pressure worldwide, the creator uses the body as a carrier of memory, healing, and resistance.
KENKI KRIN KRIN is an invitation to a collective ritual.
Photo credits Elisa Michelle
PLAY LIST
| 24 September 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Bijlmer Parktheater, Amsterdam | Order tickets (Try-out) |
| 25 September 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Bijlmer Parktheater, Amsterdam | Order tickets (Try-out) |
| 26 September 2026 20:00 – 21:55 | Bijlmer Parktheater, Amsterdam | Order tickets (Première) |
| 3 October 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Theater Kikker, Utrecht | Order tickets |
| 9 October 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Maaspodium, Rotterdam | Order tickets |
| 15 October 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | De Arenberg, Antwerpen | Order tickets |
| 23 October 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Schuur, Haarlem | Order tickets |
| 28 October 2026 20:30 – 21:45 | Podium Mozaïek, Amsterdam | Order tickets |
| 30 October 2026 20:30 – 21:45 | HNT Zaal 3, Den Haag | Order tickets |
| 28 November 2026 20:30 – 21:45 | Theater Ins Blau, Leiden | Order tickets |
| 8 December 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Frascati Theater, Amsterdam | Tickets available soon |
| 9 December 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Frascati Theater, Amsterdam | Tickets available soon |
| 10 December 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Frascati Theater, Amsterdam | Tickets available soon |
| 12 December 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | TR25 Schouwburg, Rotterdam | Order tickets |
| 17 December 2026 20:00 – 21:15 | Theater De Nieuwe Vorst, Tilburg | Order tickets |
CREDITS
Concept, text and performance Cherella Gessel
Final direction and dramaturgy Samora Bergtop
Music composition Michelle Samba
Music production / co-composition Leeroy Molly
Music contribution Ahmadou Cissokho, Fanti O’Bryan & Ayaovi Kokousse / Sacreé Percu
Set design Eddy van der Laan, Atelier Clement
Costume design Meredith Joeroeja
Lighting design Tiedo Wilschut, Cue1 Commissioned by JG Theatertechniek
Technical producer Jurriaan Giele, JG Theatertechniek
Technical crew on tour JG Theatertechniek
Production management Angelica Dekkers
Production Aashna Sewpersad, Marqué Muntslag
Marketing and publicity Sharona Lautoe
Campaign image Elisa Michelle
Scene photography and video Isaac Owusu and Qmic
Flyer and poster design Studio Raya Amsterdam
Artistic production Samora Bergtop
Business production Ellen Tjon A Meeuw
Fundraising Onias Landveld
Tour sales Alles voor de Kunsten
Funds Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, Cultuurfonds, Fonds21, VandenEnde Foundation, VSBfonds
With thanks to the costume atelier of Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, BPT Youth Panel, Young Reporters