ROOM IN OUR HOUSE

ROOM IN OUR HOUSE is a unique and urgent international co-creation of two strong women on a mission: thought leader Michelle Schenandoah (Oneida/Haudenosaunee) and choreographer/ theatre director Nicole Beutler (Netherlands/Germany). Both are women committed to a better world; a world in which the people remember how to live together in peace with all that is alive on planet earth.

We open ourselves up for each other’s differences, we listen and hold the space for struggle, for intergenerational trauma and for uncertainties, aiming to make space for the imagination of a better world by placing indigenous knowledge at the center of our actions.

The only treaty that has never been broken in the colonial history of the European domination of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island, the Two-Row-Wampum, forms a small seed for hope in times that are full of violence, wars and polarisation. This beaded belt now is Leitmotief for a unique, sensitive, international collaboration in search of universal healing. It is time to remember and care for all relations. With ROOM IN OUR HOUSE the Dutch and Haudenosaunee encounter each other again after 400 years of a unique peaceful relation in search of transformation, encouraging learning and healing. The two directors develop this work from a shared history in search for a future wherein there is ‘room for everyone’.

The climate crisis forms a serious threat to humanity. The indigenous worldview (of stewardship of the earth, equity between men and women, of sharing…) forms an alternative to the capitalistic and fearful perception of scarcity, ownership and continuous growth. It is time that we listen to the voices that think that everything is related and therefore worthwhile caring for. A paradigm shift is necessary if humanity wants to survive. Let us encounter each other, come together, let us re-member and let us all become responsible members of the earth.

ROOM IN OUR HOUSE will be an engaging, provocative and hopeful dance theatre performance by two dancers and one storyteller. Created by award winning choreographer Nicole Beutler (NL/ Germany) in co-creation with the inspirational speaker and founder of Rematriation: Michelle Schenandoah (Oneida/Haudenosaunee).

Listen to the Syracuse (On)Stage podcast, in which Joann Yarrow interviews Michelle Schenandoah and Nicole Beutler about the performance.

We are currently planning a tour through the Netherlands and Europe in June/July 2026 and September / October 2026, after which the work will travel in the USA.