Duda Paiva Company and Cat Smits Company launch, with the support of De Lieve Vrouw in Amersfoort, a new talent development project: Matter that Moves Makerslab.

With this initiative, they create space for a new generation of makers to broaden the spectrum of visual theatre through animated forms — where objects and sculptures become living stage partners.

This year's theme of the Matter that Moves Makers Lab is hope.

THE PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER NEW VOICES

New makers, each in their own way, explore what matter can say. In short works of 15–20 minutes, they demonstrate just how precise, diverse, and expressive visual theater can be.

TALENTS

Veronika Zablotska (Ukraine/The Netherlands)

A multidisciplinary performer, educator, and maker whose practice blends acting, choreography, movement, and vocal expression into a deeply embodied stage presence. Originally from Ukraine, Veronika has trained across performance disciplines and brings a nuanced, hybrid approach to movement and physical narrative, shaped by her experience of displacement and cultural transition.

In this trajectory Veronika works on manipulation as ensemble work, together with fellow talents: Sjoerd Eltink and Buket Soydar. The music is composed by Panos Gklitis.

Tatiana Śpiewak (Poland/The Netherlands)

 A dynamic dance and performance artist raised in Warsaw and based in Amsterdam. With a strong foundation in contemporary and interdisciplinary performance practice, Tatiana explores movement beyond conventional dance forms, extending into performance, film, and teaching. Her work often interrogates presence, identity, and embodiment with wit and depth.

In this trajectory Tatiana will create a solo work with a Duda Paiva Company puppet.

Tijmen Teunissen (The Netherlands)

A Rotterdam-based contemporary dancer and maker, trained at ArtEZ University of the Arts. Tijmen has performed widely in both dance and interdisciplinary performance contexts and co-founded Lazy Susan & Co, a dance collective known for its rigorous movement work and inventive collaborations. His practice blends physical precision with conceptual curiosity.

In this trajectory Tijmen will create a solo work with a Duda Paiva Company puppet.

AFTER-SHOW TALK 

After the performance, directors Cat Smits and Duda Paiva will engage in a conversation with the creators and the audience.

This is an opportunity to get to know the people behind the work: where are they from, what drives them, how do they work, and what are they trying to convey through their work?