About Us
Mission
In a world where we are surrounded by tablets, phones, televisions, and other devices, we strive to stimulate children’s imaginations and play with “ordinary” things. By exploring the world together through curiosity, wonder, (live) music, and dance, we aim to create wonderful experiences for children and their caregivers, created by their own senses and imagination.
Philosophy
A child in our theatre is a PARTNER—a full-fledged spectator of art and participant in culture. We avoid literalism or moralizing. There is no right or wrong, there just is. And “there” can be anything. We fully rely on children’s imaginations, arouse curiosity, and encourage free expression. In Black Cat Theatre’s performances, we want to speak to children through their language, not childishly, but seeking a specific means of communication, knowing that children experience their own space and time.
We create a place where families with young children can have positive experiences, enjoy creative activities, and create memories—moments that will be etched in their minds forever. A visit to our theatre for a performance, a concert, or a workshop is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond with children and support their harmonious development.
History
Black Cat Theatre opened its doors in Amsterdam in 2019. The idea to start a theatre for the very youngest children came from Agnieszka Czekierda and Wilfred van Dongen in early 2018. Agnieszka already had extensive experience producing theatre in general and children’s theatre specifically. Wilfred was an experienced project manager in the corporate world. On September 1, 2018, they moved into the building at Schakelstraat 2, Amsterdam, a former garage.
After several months of renovations, the theatre performances began on February 23, 2019. The repertoire at that time consisted of three shows: The Rainbow, Four Seasons, and Ahoy. The artistic team at the time consisted of Laura Lotti, Anne Katic, Michael de Roos, and Wouter van Oord.
The concept was different. Could children as young as 18 go to the theatre? A children’s theatre that didn’t play a fairy tale? A children’s theatre where children didn’t have to sit in a chair and could go on stage after the performance? The concept was new, but Black Cat Theatre’s reputation slowly grew. In the fall of 2019, a new show, “Parallel Worlds,” was added.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck in March 2020. All performances were cancelled. For almost two years, things were a bit of a struggle: opening occasionally, maintaining a 1.5-meter distance, requiring face masks, etc. Several performances were recorded and sold online to stay afloat. A new show, “Butterfly Garden,” was developed, and new performances were added in the form of workshops instead of performances. Workshops allowed fewer people to be in the auditorium, ensuring compliance with COVID regulations. The workshops “The Sea,” “Miracles,” “Paper,” and “Rain” were introduced. In September 2021, Iris Waardenburg joined the team as a permanent member and performer, and it was gradually possible to imagine life without COVID restrictions.
In January 2022, all restrictions were lifted, and Black Cat Theatre could once again start thinking about the future. Visitor numbers grew, and birthday parties were once again possible. Black Cat also began gaining recognition in preschools and special education programs, and they regularly performed at the theatre. This was partly encouraged and facilitated by Mocca Amsterdam.
In August 2022, the performance “Weide” premiered, and in February 2023, the performance “Meh.” The artistic team was expanded with the addition of performers Marjolein van Haren and Marrit Bausch, and in December 2024, Natalia Seghezzo joined the permanent team.
