Kartini

Isabelle Houdtzagers received a grant to develop a new theatre production about Kartini: a national heroine known in Indonesia but unknown in the Netherlands. And yet her enthusiasm, her desire for independence and her writing talent ensured that (under Dutch rule) girls could go to school. Kartini's struggle for freedom is universal, through her we gain insight into life in the colony from a Javanese perspective. As Kartini was not the only one, other Indonesian heroines will also be featured, presented by their admirers today.

Isabelle graduated from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht acting school in 2015. After working as an actor/performer for several years, she decided to develop into an independent maker, in order to create more representation in the working field and address topics that she felt had been underexposed until now. In September 2025, her first performance Kartini (working title) will premiere at Zaal 3 in The Hague.