The two hearts of Kwasi Boachi
"De zwarte met het witte hart"
Years later, as the twentieth century dawns, the elderly Kwasi, now owner of a coffee plantation in Java, sits down to write his autobiography. Based on a true story according to the novel of Arthur Japin, told in dance.
"In 1837, two young African princes arrive at the court of Willem I in the Netherlands. They have been given to the Dutch by the King of the Ashanti as surety in a deal over illegal slave trading. The two boys think they have been sent to acquire a European education, but time passes. They forget their native language and become exiles. Treated as curiosities by white people, their friendship suffers and their paths diverge. Years later, as the twentieth century dawns, the elderly Kwasi, now owner of a coffee plantation in Java, sits down to write his autobiography. Based on a true story, The Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi is both a brilliant piece of storytelling and a moving portrayal of the search for identity and belonging."
This ballet Concertante contains 6 scenes, which were inspired after the composer read Arthur Japin's novel the two hearts of Kwasi Boachi.
He immediately set to work to create his second ballet after Chanson de Geste in 2008.
1. The homeland
The Stage is dark and gradually lightens. The forest awakens and after the lights slowly are turned on the introductory music from very soft gradually increases into an explosion of an African Cultural dance.
2. Contract and Displacement
The Dutch make a contract with the Ashanti.
3. Encounter with Dutch culture
There is a knock on the door and a coach has arrived to bring the boys to the palace. There they are invited to join in a St. Nicolas party. Kwasi takes up a secret bond with Princes Sophie. But looses the respect of Kwame.
4. Struggle for acceptance
In everything the boys are different. Kwasi tries to adapt Kwame does not. Both when they are on the street are bullied by a secret bond of their class mates.
5. Aquame's Resolve
Aquame resolves to return to his homeland, only to discover that he is not accepted there any longer and has forgotten his native tongue. This ends in a tragic twist.
6. Finale
memories during a festive dinner in Indonesia