The play is adapted from her own book of poems, Amsterdam, and is a unique experience: part autobiography, part travelogue, part lyrical drama. Chanje has a massive crush on a charming Surinamese guy living in Amsterdam. She met him on holiday. She didn’t mean to meet him; she didn’t plan to meet anyone. Her life back home in rainy Manchester isn’t easy. So, she’s catching a flight to meet her fate. What will become of this 21st century, passionate, long distance relationship … you’re about to find out.

What happens when you abandon your responsibilities to chase your dreams?

Amsterdam was originally produced by Afrique Performs at Contact in Manchester and Podium Mozaiek Theatre in Amsterdam. An impressive artistic team, led by theatre and film director Juliet Ellis have created a super-modern, visual and physical piece, fusing spoken word and dance.

Writer & performer Chanje Kunda is a Manchester-based poet, playwright and performance artist, who has performed alongside influential modern poets Benjamin Zephaniah and Linton Kwesi Johnson. Chanje works nationally and internationally, including at The Royal Albert Hall, Calabash Literature Festival Jamaica, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester, and Rise London Unite Music Festival. In 2012 she gained a year-long artist residency in the Netherlands, performing in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Groningen. Her collection of poetry Amsterdam was published by Crocus in 2013 and was also dramatised and performed at Contact Theatre in Manchester and the Podium Mozaeik Theatre in Amsterdam. Alongside her professional career, Chanje provides workshops that use creativity, diversity and expression as tools for transforming lives.

“‘I was completely engaged throughout the piece. You shared your journey ,using the depths of your emotions. …Everyone has times in their life which are pivotal, moments when your heart takes you on a journey … It was a privilege to be presented with your journey in such a well- crafted piece.”’

“ …I loved your comic timing…and heartfelt story… well done you”

Target audience: 16 + (contains some strong language)
www.chanjekunda.com