Mokumgevoel or How Not to Celebrate a City's History

Mokumgevoel (or How Not to Celebrate a City’s History) reimagines Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary through an honest exploration of the city’s untold stories and emotions. Rather than a traditional celebration, this project reveals the full spectrum of feelings, from hope to horror, tied to the city’s past.

At Lab111, we invite you to the premiere of 12 short dance films and a zine, each born from a real story and a place in the city where that story lives. Through movement, music, and spoken word, Amsterdam-based dancer Cherella Gessel, musician Awir Leon, and spoken word artist Dje Rimo transform history into something visceral and felt.

This is not just art. It is storytelling. It is reflection. It is connection.try

This event is free to attend, with an optional fundraiser in support of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) — honoring Amsterdam’s history as a city of refuge and hope.

During the event, we will also offer for sale a special book collecting all the photos from the shoots and the stories behind them, with more information about the project. The photographs were taken by Dutch photographer Remy De Boysere, the text was written by spoken word artist Dje Rimo and transcreated into English by Jowi Kemper. Clem Rousset curated the book’s editorial design, while Luke Naylor Perrot oversaw its content.

Info: Welcome and reception at Lab111.

Info: Experience Mokumgevoel: 12 powerful short dance films set across Amsterdam, each rooted in a place with a story to tell. These films capture a full spectrum of emotions, from hope to horror, and give voice to histories that have remained unseen. Through the language of movement, music, and spoken word, the project transforms the city itself into a living stage of reflection and feeling.

Info: A conversation with the creators and collaborators behind Mokumgevoel, exploring the inspiration, process, and emotions that shaped the project.

Info: An opportunity to connect, reflect, and enjoy closing drinks together, with an optional fundraiser in support of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).

Also check out other Entertainment events in Amsterdam, Arts events in Amsterdam, Nonprofit events in Amsterdam.