Almacita di Desolato, an antillean myth

20-01-’25

This spring, Izaline Calister and Thijs Borsten present a mesmerizing musical theater production where past and present meet, weaving together Curaçao’s rich traditions with contemporary elements.

Almacita di Desolato presents mystical storytelling in Afro-Caribbean tradition. The enchanting voice of Izaline Calister and the musical versatility of Thijs Borsten are complemented by percussionist Russel Soleana (74). He is best known for his Muzik di Zumbi (music of the spirits), immersing the audience in rhythms deeply connected to Curaçao’s rich culture and history.
Dancer Junadry Leocaria, winner of the Innovation Award at the Dutch Dance Days Maastricht in 2023, embodies the role of priestess Solem. With her expressive dance style, she blends traditional Afro-Caribbean dance with urban influences.

Check for info, dates and venues.

Millennium Jazz Orchestra featuring Izaline Calister

02-09-’24

A new, contemporary music spectacle set against the backdrop of climate change, entirely focused on water. The 18-member Millennium Jazz Orchestra will engage in a fascinating dialogue with singer Izaline Calister and emerging harp talent Sanne Bakker. During the sung poems, images are displayed that 'co-narrate' the story. More (Dutch) on New Music Now.

Check the schedule for dates and venues.

2024 Reprise theatershow 'Tula en Juliet'

02-09-’24

This fall, the reprise-tour of Izaline's theatreshow, called ‘Tula en Juliet’, is planned. In this show, Izaline talks about the biggest slave-revolt in Curaçao and its leader, Tula. Izaline investigated how his heritage affected the live of Juliet, a great-great-grandmother of Izaline. Juliet was born in slavery and experienced the abolution of slavery in Curaçao in 1863. She was a woman like thousands of black women on Curaçao who didn't grew old, but she turned out to be the matriarch of two big families on Curaçao.

Izaline is accompanied by Ed Verhoeff (guitar), Ilja Reingoud (trombone) and Quincy Braafhart (percussion). More info.
Check the schedule for dates and venues!

Reviews (Dutch):
'…een ode aan Tula en aan de zwarte voorouders in hun strijd om te leven en overleven…' Theaterkrant.

'…Tula & Juliet is een viering van het doorzettingsvermogen van de Antilliaanse tot slaafgemaakten, waaruit zowel de eilanders als niet-eilanders kunnen putten…' De Volkskrant.

‘Tula Lives!’ Thursday 17 August on Dutch national tv

19-08-’23

The documentary ‘Tula Leeft’ follows singer Izaline's journey to Curaçao with musician and friend Thijs Borsten as they explore an island's historical event — the slave uprising led by Tula over 200 years ago. The film showcases the significance of Tula and that revolt, which is remembered on Dia di Tula (Tula Day) on August 17th. Through interviews with experts and visits to important locations, the documentary sheds light on the legacy of Tula and its impact on modern Curaçaoan society.

Izaline and Thijs are thrilled broadcasting company NTR broadcasted their film on Tula Day on Dutch national television. Izaline aims to share Tula's story with the Dutch population, fostering awareness and understanding of the island's history and ongoing struggles for social justice.

If you missed it on 17 August, check NPO-Start to watch it as yet.

Book: 'Ons koloniale verleden'

17-11-’23

Last year, Izaline wrote an article about Tula that was published in ‘De Volkskrant’. The article is now included in the publication ‘Ons koloniale verleden in vijftig voorwerpen’, a book that recently was presented at ‘De nacht van de Geschiedenis’. It was edited by renowned historians and journalists. The book sheds a new and amplifying light on Dutch colonial past. More about the book, visit www.alfabetuitgevers.

Bon dia goeiemorgen - Izaline with kompa Nanzi on stage!

10-02-’23

The concerts with the children’s songs from the book ‘Bon dia goeiemorgen’ are now extended to a theatrical version with storytelling and with Nanzi himzelf as a special guest, starring in ‘Baka pinta’! Izaline is accompanied by her loyal keyboardist Thijs Borsten and percussionist Danny Rombout. Last september it premiered with two try-outs in The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam. Tour starts this month (February), don’t miss out on this one!
Check the schedule for dates and venues!

This tour is made possible by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and the Norma fonds.

To order a copy of the book and cd 'Bon dia goeiemorgen', click here.

Voor bestellingen van het boek met de cd 'Bon dia goeiemorgen', klik hier.