About the event
We, as Kumpanya, set out on our journey through theatre. Along the way, we also launched a podcast called ‘What’s in the Suitcase?’. We sat down, talked, listened to each other’s stories of migration, and shared our own stories. Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we felt sad, and sometimes we found a piece of ourselves in the stories told by someone we’d never even met.
One day, when we stopped to ask ourselves, ‘What are we actually doing?’, we realised that we weren’t just having a chat; without realising it, we were also recording oral history.
And now we’ve reached exactly 50 episodes!
We wanted both to celebrate this journey and to bring to life an idea we’ve had in mind for a long time: we’re launching Turkish storytelling evenings at Kumpanya. After all, why not?
So, what’s going to happen tonight?
This time, we won’t be gathered round the microphone, but around the same stage. We’ll have an object we’ve taken out of our suitcase by our side, a story in our minds, and a touch of excitement in our hearts.
Some will recount a memory they have carried with them for years; others may be sharing their story in front of others for the very first time. The objects are merely a pretext; what we are really curious about is what they remind us of.
Sometimes we’ll feel embarrassed, sometimes we’ll laugh out loud, and perhaps we’ll shed a few tears. We’ll move from one story to the next, from one emotion to something completely different. Perhaps we’ll rediscover that old tradition of storytelling that we learnt from our grandmothers and grandfathers.
But we’re not just getting together tonight to have a laugh. We’re also getting together to share each other’s worries, to listen to the stories of lives we know nothing about, and sometimes to say, ‘Blimey, and to think I used to think my own problems were such a big deal!’
Perhaps at the end of some stories we’ll say, ‘That’s all well and good, but what’s in it for me?’ That’s fine too. After all, not every story has to strike a chord with everyone in the same way.
What matters to us is coming together, sharing our stories and listening. Because sometimes all a person needs is a place where they can tell their story and a few people who will really listen.
In short, we’re speaking from our favourite spot at Kumpanya:
Come along, whoever you are!
Whether you tell a story or listen to one, you might just find your own story in the tale of someone you’ve never even met.
Would you like to share your story too?
Our doors are open to anyone who wants to take to the stage and share their story. We’d like you to bring along a small object that reminds you of something. It could be a photograph, an old key, a letter, or anything else you’ve been keeping for years.
The story doesn’t necessarily have to be about that object. It’s just a little excuse to get the story started.
If you’d like to share your story with us, you can send a short email to info@kumpanya.nl. We’ll get in touch with you before the evening to make the necessary preparations together.
Event Details
Date: Friday 4 December 2026
Doors open: 19:30
Start: 8.00 pm
Venue: Kumpanya Stage, Amsterdam
Address: Admiraal de Ruijterweg 150, 1056 GV Amsterdam
Host of the Evening: Sadettin Yalta
In collaboration with the ‘What’s in the Suitcase?’ podcast and Kumpanya Performing Arts.
Come along—whether you want to talk or just listen.