Theater Productions – New Dutch Connections

Our productions

Future Citizens

Future Citizens is a socially engaged theater project that focuses on connecting (ex-)refugees, the professional field, and the theater sector. With Future Citizens, Bright Richards presents a follow-up to the successful production The Bright Side of Life. Guided by musicians, actors portray various stories of newcomers about how they find their place in a new country and eventually achieve success. Ambitious and dreaming newcomers introduce themselves to the audience, forging a connection with them. The audience gets close to their world and experiences the challenges they face in adopting a new identity. Refugees are given a literal platform to share their stories and connect with their audience.

New Dutch Connections has adapted over fifteen unique refugee stories for the stage. These stories are all connected to New Dutch Connections and immerse the audience in the experiences and emotions of refugees. The performances are carried out by professional actors and accompanied by live music. In addition to the dramatized stories, several regional status holders and asylum seekers take the stage to share their personal and professional ambitions.

Together, we aim to build a network to help this group take steps towards building a successful life. Every visitor to a Future Citizens event can contribute to this effort.

"My biggest challenges in finding work as an IT professional were the language barrier and a gap of nearly ten years on my resume."

"After my training, it was difficult to find work. I often heard: 'That won't work. There are many people with the same qualifications but who are better at the language.' At Future Citizens, I met someone who could help me."

"During the Future Citizens event in Houten, I met someone who finally offered me an internship as a dental assistant. Now, I can complete my training here."

As I Left My Fathers House

Who are you? And who are you when you must flee your country and experience the harsh realities of the world? And who do you become when your surroundings see you as ‘the other’? In the theater performance As I Left My Father’s House, you learn more about the lives of people who must leave their homes behind. These are individuals who endure the ugly sides of the world: polarization, violence, war, and extremism, with religion as their only support, finding strength during their perilous journey.

They also question: to what extent do I affect my children with the suffering I am experiencing?

The performance includes true stories, supported by moving music and singing, which add a deeper layer to the narrative. The universal stories remain recognizable, as even in 2024, millions of people are still fleeing for a safe existence.

As I Left My Father’s House is a theatrical invitation to those engaged in existential questions, personal development, and migration issues. The story focuses on the major challenges in life and encourages reflection. Where do you seek support during setbacks? Is connection and empathy with others something you take for granted?

“It is not the differences, but the similarities between people and their deepest convictions that are truly revealed.’ – Bright O. Richards”

The Bright Side Of Life

The Bright Side of Life is a poignant performance based on the true life story of actor Bright O. Richards. He had to flee his homeland, where he was famous and beloved, and once in the Netherlands, he had to find his place in society again. The performance explores how a person copes with the involuntary departure from their old life and finds their way in a new place. Bright Richards now supports newcomers in this process himself.

The story remains relevant in 2024, given the number of people fleeing worldwide. The performance serves as a means to build an inclusive society and create connections between refugees and the community.

The Bright Side of Life is created for and by refugees. The performance always includes a social element where newcomers meet with you, expanding their network and developing both personally and professionally. Connection is the key to success.

The idea for this theatrical production originated in 2015, the year when over 60,000 refugees arrived in the Netherlands. “More than 92% of status holders who arrived in 2015 are still on social benefits. The main issue in finding work stems from the lack of a network. The Netherlands is a network society, so it’s crucial to make connections between refugees and the community.” The Bright Side of Life is a metaphor for that connection: The primary goal for a refugee is to meet the right audience or the right person.