The talent of Tiuri

In her theatre workshop in Breda, Tiuri has been training people with (cognitive) disabilities to become performing artists for over 20 years. Tiuri's performances are often moving and relatable. Or, as Tiuri puts it: "The performers awaken something that seems to have fallen asleep during adulthood." Tiuri's Wiebeke (@wiebeke_) and Younes (@younes_hider) share their experiences about Tiuri. About talent, self-confidence, and love.

True artists do not allow themselves to be restricted by borders

Talent

Tiuri has ‘a profound understanding and recognition of the artistic potential that resides in every individual’. Wiebeke: “At Tiuri, it's not about wanting everyone to participate, or that we just want to provide people with a nice day. It's all about talent and its development, no matter who or what you are. That's really something different.”

Compagnie Tiuri performs nationally and is also making strides internationally. Recently, the company was in London, working on a dance film in collaboration with the Hofesh Shechter Company, a ‘big name’ in the dance world. “They just do it, I think. And they’re all up for it, no matter how exciting it is. That makes me truly swell with pride.”

How it works at Tiuri

Tiuri has a Playground, Workshop, Talent Lab, and a professional theatre company: Compagnie Tiuri. Wiebeke: “If you want to further develop your talent, you can travel ‘from stage to stage’. In the way that suits you; everyone and every route is different. But growing is not necessarily the goal, quite the opposite. We simply offer four opportunities. And you do what fits you.” Read more about Tiuri's four stages.

“It is so amazing to see that players sometimes seem to rise above themselves. Things they never thought possible suddenly happen when they are in their role. One of our players has developed into the Compagnie through his growth within Tiuri. He is a bit harder to understand, but when he is on stage, it is completely different. It’s wonderful to see. It seems that because your talent is being developed and you are empowered, you also experience personal growth.” Viewing tip: on 7 November 2024, Tiuri will be featured in a brand new season of Op de Planken (NTR), and you can watch the episode again afterwards on NPO Start.

It's so amazing to see that players sometimes seem to rise above themselves. Things they never thought possible suddenly happen when they are in their element.

Self-confidence

Younes is one of the Tiuri players. Although Younes was perfectly healthy until he was five years old, he is now in a wheelchair and can only communicate with his eyes through a speech computer. In the theatre workshop, he is just like everyone else. While his fellow players walk back and forth and dance to the music, Younes rolls through the space in his wheelchair. Sometimes alone, sometimes with someone next to, in front of, or behind him. Everyone is equal here, and everyone sees each other. When asked what the reader of this article must certainly know about Tiuri, he replies: “That it gives you self-confidence, even if you can't do as much as I can.” Player Johan immediately agrees: “Here I can really show: this is me. And this is what I can do. That feels very good.”

Love

Wiebeke: “For me, Tiuri is pure love. There is so much warmth and understanding for each other here. And you know exactly what you have in one another. As adults, we’ve somewhat lost that purity. We’ve taken on various layers. Our players also have layers, but the strength of their love is so great that that purity remains intact. Alongside their fantastic talent, it is that love and purity that give a Tiuri performance something magical. I wish everyone could experience that at least once.” On 3 December, Tiuri will be at the Chassé Theatre with the performance ‘Free Birds Fly’.