JAH! by Dalton Jansen
JAH! by Dalton Jansen (Blackbirds and Theater Rotterdam in co-production with De Coproducers & Summer Dance Forever) is nominated for the Zwaan meest indrukwekkende dansproductie 2025.
Jury about the nomination
''Dalton Jansen tells a poignant personal story about his complicated relationship with his father and the story of a group of black men who have been overlooked or kept out of the spotlight for too long. JAH! makes you feel what it's like to be a Rastafarian in Western society, dismantles stereotypes and shows the gentle strength of these sons and fathers. Each of the performers retains their own individuality and is highlighted in all their uniqueness. In an earthy and gentle dance idiom and an accurate recitation. This almost trippy journey leaves you hungry for more."
About Dalton Jansen
In 2021, Dalton Jansen (1993, Rotterdam) founded his current company BlackBirds. In his work, Jansen develops a new dance language that brings together multiple disciplines, such as spoken word, hip hop, contemporary and breakdance. With the help of the New Makers Grant from the Performing Arts Fund and partner organisations Conny Janssen Danst, DOX and Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam, Jansen has been able to further develop his dance vocabulary and movement language, enabling him to share urgent stories and perspectives.
Jansen prefers to build a community where meeting, training, creating and presenting come together. ‘I think it's important to create safe spaces where people feel at home and are allowed to be themselves.’
Inspired by personal experiences, historical events and the profound sounds and words of Rastafari messengers such as Alpha Blondy, Bob Marley and Sizzla, Jansen hopes to dismantle stereotypes with JAH!: of the Rastas, dreadlocks, the black man and the black father.
“JAH! makes it tangible what it is like to be a Rastafarian in Western society, dismantles stereotypes and shows the gentle strength of each of these sons and fathers.”