Teckel - Nina Van Tongeren, Theater Bellevue

Teckel is a searing monologue that, following in the footsteps of Gisèle Pelicot, places the blame for the shame on the perpetrator. It also places the blame on the bystanders who choose to look away. Accompanied by 2010s teen music, two lawyers, and a number of undeniable everyday heroes, a young woman grapples with the question: if you carry a story that no one wants to listen to, what do you do?

"Dear audience, Teckel is a show about a word we cannot use, otherwise you won't come. At least, that is what we think, because all books, films, and shows dealing with abuse anxiously avoid the word on the back cover or in the promotional text, otherwise no one will be interested anymore. So we are following their example, because we have a story and really need someone who wants to listen. That is why Teckel is about Stanley Kubrick, Wicked the musical, and which dog breeds are nice and which aren't. Nothing else. Promised."

Jatou Sumbunu has been nominated for a Louis d'Or (for Most Impressive Acting Performance). From the jury report: "Jatou Sumbunu forces you to stay with the story and to experience, as a spectator, the torment the character goes through to some extent."

About the company/the maker Nina van Tongeren is resident dramaturg at Toneelmakerij and writes a production for the company annually (including Giselle). For her youth text Koekoeksnest (10+), she recently received the Kaas & Kappes Prize and the Charlotte Köhler Stipendium, which is awarded annually to promising literary talent. Together with dramaturg Paulien Geerlings, she explores representation and care dramaturgy in theatre. With thanks to Faye Schumacher, Luna Schumacher, Jip van den Toorn, Dientje, a production by Theater Bellevue made possible in part by Fonds Podiumkunsten.

Content note: In Teckel, the protagonist takes us on a searching journey through her experiences with child sexual abuse. She primarily describes her present, the effects she experiences as a now-adult woman, but the abuse itself is described several times. The drugging of the victim also plays a role in that abuse. An attempted suicide is also discussed, which the character ultimately does not go through with. The tone of the performance is sometimes heavy but above all hopeful, with a dose of humor.

Know that you can always turn to the Center for Sexual Violence or 113 Suicide Prevention.