Why such a strange love - Orkater De Nieuwkomers Jelle en Jessica

Djek and Djill retreat to the deep forest, away from the chaos of the big city. Here they quietly find out who they are to the other. What do they mean to each other, regardless of their origins, social status and expectations? They transform again and again to meet each other as new characters. Inspired by Frankenstein and Disney classics, this alienating musical features epically orchestrated soundscapes, original pop melodies, expressive dancing and countless costume changes. Why such a strange love is about the question of how two people can live symbiotically in a society that advocates individuality.

About the makers

Jelle Haen studied singing at the conservatory. Jessica Matheson studied dance at the Transit Dance course in Melbourne, where she is from. Jelle and Jessica met during their training at the School for New Dance Development (SNDO) in Amsterdam, where they graduated in 2021.

Jelle and Jessica have been a duo on stage since 2017, where they investigate how (self) transformation through behavior, but also through external changes, makes new worlds, experiences and dimensions possible. They bring their experiences from outside the theater with them: Jelle as a professional international model, graduated make-up artist and drag alter-ego Aris Tottle. Jessica as a costume designer and her work in the field of dance, theater, drag/burlesque and design.

Orkater/The Newcomers

Within the talent development program Orkater/De Nieuwkomers, young musicians and theater makers convert their ideas into musical theater productions. Based on an open call, makers are selected to present their plans to Orkater and programmers and colleagues who have joined the process as alliance partners. Why such a strange love is the 27th production within Orkater/De Nieuwkomers.

Orkater has been the music theater company in the Netherlands for fifty years, where stories that are important today are told and where music has as much value as language. Orkater productions are direct, sensitive, daring and generous.