The death of Benny Simmons

A magical realistic performance, set to a live soundtrack of modern jazz and soulful hip hop, about a boy (played by Daniël Kolf) who thought he had to be a man.

After a fatal fight on the street, Benny Simons dives into his past in the hope of finding out how things could have gone so wrong. His sudden death causes his family to fall apart; his brother, mother and girlfriend get lost in their grief. Benny struggles with the question of how he can ensure that his loved ones do not lose each other and whether they will, perhaps one day, forgive him. 

In this energetic and musical performance, the past and present of Benny Simons are intertwined by a live soundtrack of modern jazz and soulful hip hop. An atmospheric tour de force about the expectations we have of our sons. How do we turn boys into men today? Are they allowed to be vulnerable as well as resilient and strong?

The Death of Benny Simons is the theatre debut of filmmaker Shady El-Hamus (De Libi ). As in his films, this compelling story touches on universal themes such as the expectations of parents and their children, intergenerational trauma, the definition of masculinity and daring to dream of a better life.[Source (Original or ML Translation): Bijlmer Parktheater]