X_YUSUF_BOSS TOBAN

TOBAN reveals the reality of inequality in a powerful celebration of dance and personal stories filled with expression, resistance, and unmatched resilience. Welcome to a performance that digs deeper than the surface, where dance is not just a movement but a voice of resistance and resilience. TOBAN, the latest creation by choreographer Mohamed Yusuf Boss under the banner of X_YUSUF_BOSS, takes you on a journey through the complex layers of inequality in opportunities.

TOBAN explores the idea that you can always be who you want to be, but external forces can limit and shape this pursuit. As the legendary James Baldwin powerfully put it: “You have to choose who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.” TOBAN began as an in-depth exploration of the personal stories of Mohamed, the performers, and all the young people involved in the HIDDEN project. These stories, gathered during exchanges between Groningen and Katlehong in South Africa, form the emotional fuel for TOBAN: “Through dance, we want to allow the audience to experience the emotional layers of inequality of opportunity, share insights that are difficult to convey with words, and create a greater awareness of our own position and that of others,” says Mohamed.

This performance is an artistic quest for connection and understanding, rooted in extensive research and personal stories. A talented cast of six dancers - three from the Netherlands and three from South Africa - brings these stories to life on stage. TOBAN invites you to join an intimate exploration of what it means not to belong to the dominant group. Discover resonances that arise when you are confronted with inequality, and feel its impact on today’s lives and the generations of tomorrow.

About X_YUSUF_BOSS: X_YUSUF_BOSS is the home and platform for the Groningen-based choreographer Mohamed Yusuf Boss. Starting from dance, we build bridges between disciplines as well as between communities and individuals, with the core focus on the search for shared humanity. Our working method originates from the hip-hop principle “each one teach one,” where everyone who contributes to the collective learns from each other and from the project.

Practical Information

Location: Grand Theatre in Groningen.

Prices: Regular ticket: €15; Discount ticket (<29 years, students, Stadjerspasholders): €10. Location: Benedenzaal

Screening of the film 'HIDDEN': Prior to the performance, the documentary HIDDEN will be shown in the Balkonbar. At 19:00 and 19:20, you can learn more about the making of the performance. The documentary lasts 20 minutes.