Let's Get Lyrical with Cissy Joan

Featuring Vernon Chatlein, Ruth Ruijgers, Pierre Semudenge, Romano Liu & Dara McHugh Murphy, and house pianist Dani Brands

Word artists pour their soul into Grand Theatre. From poetry, prose, and storytelling to rap, spoken word, and motivational speeches. Freedom fighters, singer-songwriters, hip-hop artists: it’s all about the message. Let's Get Lyrical is a socially engaged show with space for free expression, warmly presented in a living-room setting by Cissy Joan. Relaxed yet on the edge of your seat, be carried along by eccentric language weavers from the local scene and occasionally international legends—those who deserve a stage because something in their being touches you. The show includes an intermission and ends with a drinks reception. Let’s Get Lyrical!

Vernon Chatlein

Vernon Chatlein is a percussionist and composer from Curaçao, specializing in Afro-Caribbean, Latin music, and jazz. He is also the creative producer of his own research and performance platform Voices from Letters. In 2024, he received the prestigious Gieskes-Strijbis Podium Prize. Currently, Chatlein is working on a trilogy titled Tula.Verse, exploring the history of slave uprisings in the Caribbean and South America, with Tula, the leader of Curaçao's largest slave revolt, as the central figure. Created in collaboration with the Royal Theatre in The Hague, this project offers a retro-Afrofuturistic perspective on the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Ruth Ruijgers

Ruth Ruijgers is a poet, writer, and organizer. In 2023/2024 she was poet-in-residence at RUG. She has previously performed at events like Dichters in de Prinsentuin, Noorderzon, Groninger Museumnacht, and Blikopener. She has written for Theater na de Dam, published in Op Ruwe Planken, and served as a judge for Kunstbende. In February 2025, her poetry collection Vliegenogen was released. Her poetry wrestles with language, producing often visual and playful lines that explore intersections between societal and personal themes.

Pierre Semudenge

Pierre Semudenge’s life motto is “It’s raining, but I won’t get wet.” He is who he was before he became who he is today: a lawyer, political scientist, self-made neurologist, and theatre maker. Born in Rwanda, he survived genocide and two civil wars—experiences he now transforms into performances that move, connect, and inspire. With authenticity, humor, and connection as his foundation, Pierre tells stories of human resilience and the art of turning obstacles into growth opportunities. He speaks not to be heard, but to make people feel what many have forgotten: the essence of human resilience.

Romano Liu & Dara McHugh Murphy

Romano Liu, 24, is a poet and co-founder of Spaces. He has extensive experience as a performer, host, and organizer, appearing on stages such as Dichters in de Prinsentuin, Noorderzon, and OOST. Together with guitarist Dara McHugh Murphy, he delivers an introspective, audiovisual spoken word experience.

Practical Information

• Prices: Standard: €12 | Discount (<29 years, Stadjerspas): €7
• Location: Benedenzaal
• Language: Dutch spoken

Workshop

Pierre Semudenge will also lead a workshop on 22 October. More information will follow soon.