We truly found a gem! In Amsterdam West, you’ll find a small scale theatre that inspires young children to let their imagination run wild and free. The Black Cat Theatre is an intimate theatre focused on the younger audiences aged 1 – 6 years of age. Their plays are full of movement, sounds, dance, images and music, keen on engaging children of all backgrounds (and non-Dutch speakers!) to become part of the theatre.
Plays and performances at the Black Theatre
Each performance is written to last about 30 minutes. At the end of the play, the young visitors are encouraged to take the stage alongside the actors and musicians. They currently have a total of three different plays planned. From ‘the Rainbow’ which is written for children 1-4 years of age, to ‘Four Seasons’ and ‘Ahoi’ for children 1-5 years of age. The Black Cat Theatre was first established in Warsaw, Poland in 2011. Seeing it evolve into a huge successs, with tickets to the shows fully booked well in advance, the owners Agnieszka and Wilfred decided to bring their theatre to Amsterdam. Since February 2019 children are able to enjoy and explore all of their senses at this wonderful little theatre.
Ahoi
The play is about two painters transforming their ladders into boats and experiencing the wildest adventures: starting with the slow tides and onto the stormy waves, off they go. The ocean is displayed with a colorful décor. A variety of emotions were heard throughout the theatre, from laughter to interaction with the actors, music and dance. The actors definitely know how to grab the attention of their audience. While the décor is simple, the way they transformed plastic bags into jellyfish, or used music to inspire movement is absolutely breathtaking. At the end of the play, the actors emptied out baskets filled with paper crafted fish and boats while they encouraged the children to enter the stage and play along, inspiring them to make up their own stories. Some were even testing out the boats made from the ladders.
Café and play area
Prior to and after the show, you can enjoy some refreshments and cake at the Black Cat Café. An open area with a small play area for kids. Wherever you turn, imagination follows. From tree trunks to pebbles, twigs and wood, children are encouraged to play and create. If time allows it, even the actors come out to play along with their visitors.
Personal, intimate theatre space
With room for about 50-60 people, the gorgeous shows, the laid-back vibe and intimate flow, the Black Cat Theatre definitely knows how to create a safe, fun and exciting setting for the minds of young ones.
Close to Haarlem and free parking on the weekends
Black Cat Theatre is about a 25 minute car ride from the center of Haarlem. With plenty of space to park the car and free parking on the weekends. The theatre is also easily accessed by train since it is located about a 10 minute walk away from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station.
Practical information
Shows: the Black Cat Theatre has shows running on Wednesday mornings, as well as on the weekends. Please check their website for activities and schedule.
Address: Schakelstraat 2, Amsterdam
Admission fee: prices range from €9,50 – €11,50
More info and reservation: Please visit their website or email tickets@blackcattheatre.nl or call tel. 06-38066480 during business days and hours.
Website: blackcattheatre.nl
Pictures & text by: Eva Cameron-Bakker in collaboration with Black Cat Theatre. For collaborations please contact us.
Translated & edited by: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
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