A spectacular blend of hip-hop, breaking, martial arts and opera.

Following the huge success of‘ ’ Urbanatix |  Open Circles, the spectacular crossover production staged during the Urban Summer Festival 2024, Maaspoort is once again presenting an ambitious Dutch-German co-production in the 2026–27 season. This time, Maaspoort and D’Haus Junges Schauspiel Düsseldorf are collaborating on SAMURAI X: an energetic performance in which urban culture, theatre, opera, music and martial arts come together.

SAMURAI X is inspired by the famous tale of the seven samurai, but is set in the modern world. Don’t expect a traditional period drama, but rather a dazzling mix of breaking, hip-hop, martial arts, urban dance, theatre, opera and live music. Young opera voices will also create surprising and at times almost magical moments.

A performance full of action, emotion, friendship, courage and the fight against injustice — created by young artists from the Netherlands and Germany.

What makes it extra special is that, once again, talented performers from our own region are both on and behind the stage. Among them are Timbe Karlize and Reve van Wersch, former pupils of Valuas and both affiliated with Urban Dance Studio and Nieuwe Helden, are part of the cast. In addition, Anastasia Kolobanova, winner of the People’s Choice Award at the Viva Classic Vocal Contest 2025, can be seen and heard in the production. The costumes are designed by the young designer Loek de Jongh (born 2000) from Breda, who makes a significant contribution to the visual world of the production with his contemporary designs.

Behind the production are two artists who are currently among the most interesting new voices in the international performing arts scene. Takao Baba has built an impressive reputation as a choreographer and performer at the intersection of urban dance, contemporary theatre, opera and martial arts. His work is characterised by explosive physical energy, a powerful visual language and a unique way of connecting different cultures and disciplines.

The music is by Mischa Tangian, composer, conductor and founder of the internationally acclaimed Babylon Orchestra. Tangian is known for his unique ability to blend opera, classical music, world music, jazz and contemporary compositions into a musical language all his own. His work is performed at festivals and venues across Europe and provides the perfect musical driving force for this extraordinary production.

Anyone who was captivated by *Open Circles* can look forward to a new, spectacular theatre experience in which the boundaries between styles, countries and generations once again dissolve.

Recommended age: 12

Featuring Luc Arnoldussen, Cem Bingöl, Celine Hambach, Minh Cao Huy, Alexander Kalina, Anastasia Kolabanova, Luca Mbiene, Paul Davis Newgate, Rowdy, Eva Maria Schindele, Reve van Wersch, Timbe Karlize van Wersch, Annalisa Weyel.
Directed by Takao Baba
Co-directed and mask design by Matteo Spiazzi
Music by Mischa Tangian
Musical direction by Richard Eisenach
Set design by Aliki Anagnostakis
Costume design by Loek de Jongh
Mask construction by Alessandra Faienza
Dramaturgy by Helena Jackson, Kirstin Hess
Theatre education by Patricia Pfisterer

This production is being realised as part of the Germany–Netherlands Interreg programme and is co-funded by the European Union.