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Artistic Vision

Ischa Statie’s work as a dance and theater maker is deeply rooted in his queerness and bi-cultural background. Growing up in the Netherlands while having Antillean roots has been a continuous search for connection between these two worlds within him. On one hand, the Dutch culture in which he was raised, and on the other, the Antillean heritage from his father’s side, which has always been a quiet yet profound presence in his life. His identity is intrinsically tied to the tension between these cultures and the colonial history they share, and he constantly examines where he fits in, where he is allowed to claim space, and how these questions shape his sense of self.

As a queer man raised in a traditional environment with normative gender assumptions, Ischa’s work is a dialogue between movement, sound, society, and identity. Through this lens, he explores themes such as connection, empathy, and the ways in which intergenerational experiences, traumas, and cultural legacies shape both body and mind. His artistic practice moves beyond autobiographical elements to address broader questions about belonging and how colonial histories echo in the present.

In works such as De Laatste Tijd and Voelbare Wereld, Ischa examines how we relate to one another and our surroundings in times of drastic change. Using dynamic partner work, fluid improvisation, and tangible experiences, he invites audiences to embark on a journey of personal and cultural discovery alongside the performers. By pushing the boundaries of dance and performance, Ischa aims to foster dialogue about finding one’s place—both within oneself and in the wider world.