15 November 2026, 12:30 - 18:00
Scenes from Indian Ocean Slavery
presentations, performance and discussion
with contributions by Ligia Giay, Frank Irving, Isna Marifa, Thania Petersen and Carine Zaayman
convened by Nancy Jouwe and Wim Manuhutu
Join us to learn more about the depth and impact of this underexposed and understudied part of the Dutch history of slavery. During Scenes from Indian Ocean Slavery/Scenes over slavernij in de Indische Oceaan, we will hear from writers, researchers, artists, musicians and others.
the program
The afternoon will start with theatrical readings from the acclaimed novel Mountains more Ancient by Indonesian author Isna Marifa, connecting the Indonesian archipelago and South Africa through the wanderings of an enslaved Javanese family.
Researcher and curator dr. Carine Zaayman will offer a text reflecting on the history of slavery in South Africa while screenings of artworks by South African artist Thania Petersen engage with the visual archive of slavery, colonialism, resilience and joy. Dr. Ligia Giay will share her research on slavery in the Moluccas and Papua.
We close with musical performers Frank Irving and Robinson Jouwe, who will bring to life the story of a Papuan women who was brought to Utrecht province in the 1840’s.
Get your tickets HERE!
We don’t charge entrance fees, but suggest a donation for your participation between €5-12. Basecamp runs on lots of love and little money, you can donate upon entrance through a QR code and/or cash. Thank you for your support!
Visual by Beatrice Glow with design from Insan Larasati
