The theatre canon of the Netherlands comprises many more creators of colour than most people realise. Therefore, the foundation The Need for Legacy works to create awareness by revealing a history that is at risk of disappearing from the archives entirely. Creators of colour must not be forgotten; they deserve to be permanently visible. By writing an inclusive history we are also designing a diverse and inclusive future for the Dutch theatre scene.

The Need for Legacy is a platform and community made up of several generations of theatre makers who come together in the here and now to take stock of what needs there are, to share stories, and hold conversations about a more diverse and inclusive theatre world. This is contextualised by reviving forgotten histories which are then studied together. In this way, the Need for Legacy is also a mouthpiece towards institutions that focus on the archival of the Dutch performing arts, thereby allowing a correction to be made to the way the performing arts have thus far been archived and how this knowledge is spread—for example, at theatre academies.

There is a great need from within the theatre scene for a more profound conversation about diversity, that reaches beyond quota and cosmetic goals. For instance, more than 700 people working in the scene have co-signed the ‘Wij Zien Jullie’ letter, of which The Need for Legacy was one of the initiators—inspired by We See You W. A. T.

The Need for Legacy is an independent foundation that intends to have a longevity that will enable this and future generations to gain knowledge and make this knowledge more accessible. The foundation functions as a nomadic, fluid network that can find its home at festivals, theatre institutions and academies (a.o.), but always operates from the same autonomous vision without being claimed. In this way, The Need for Legacy hopes to elicit change in the field—not only among performers, actors and creators, but also among reviewers, dramaturges, etc.

For more information in English about The Need for Legacy, and about our presentations, archival work, and meetings, please use the contact form on this site.