Radical Space: Vainergill Thurnim, Diana Dzhabbar & Rohan Ayinde (2025)

In 1971, the television program Soul presented a legendary conversation between poet Nikki Giovanni and writer James Baldwin. They represent two generations reflecting on the reality of Blackness in a violent world, as well as love, family and the ways their personal experiences influence their art.

In this edition of Radical Space, I invited choreographer Vainergill Thurnim, poet Rohan Ayinde and saxophonist Diana Dzhabbar artistically to continue this iconic dialogue. Inspired by Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin, they use dance, poetry and music to reflect on class, identity and the divisions that still run through our society.

Choreographer Vainergill Thurnim explores themes of identity, self-acceptance and love through dance. An emotional search for yourself in the other. Poet Rohan Ayinde makes space for echoes of the past and future, where poetry, video and music come together in a Black Hole. Diana Dzhabbar, a wide-ranging musical talent, plays with notable groups such as the "Brintex Collective" and "Sofaya," showcasing a unique blend of cultural influences. In addition, Diana recently established her reputation in the jazz and contemporary music scenes.

The Bookshop, once a working class passageway to the cheapest seats in the City Theatre, now provides the backdrop for this encounter: how can we use this space to question existing power structures and explore new ways of being together? Through improvisation, bodily expression and spiritual jazz, these makers expose what often goes unsaid: who has access to art today? And what structures determine that?

Watch and listen to the conversation between poet Nikki Giovanni and writer James Baldwin in the television program Soul down below.

With the arrival of The Bookshop, ITA introduces Radical Space: an initiative that reclaims theatre as a place for solidarity, empathy and artistic innovation. In this space on Leidseplein, we will give a stage to diverse voices and perspectives, exploring the complex legacy of (our) theatre and its social impact.

Following successful programmes such as Keti Koti 2024, Radical Space focuses on pressing social issues such as colonialism, class inequality, sexism and transphobia. Here, together with artists, makers and thinkers, we develop interdisciplinary projects that provide space for critical artistic commentary.

Another beautiful Baldwin (and Giovanni) inspired night at the Bookshop of Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

Such a loveley crowd.