We would like to better understand which themes are alive among black and men of color when it comes to mental health.

Why this questionnaire?
To ensure that real stories are reflected in the performance and the accompanying workshops, Joseph is gathering experiences—especially from Black and other men of colour—through this questionnaire. Your voice helps determine which themes resonate most and deserve space on stage and in the wider conversation.

What happens with your input?
Your responses will be shared with the organisers of The Body Black Festival. They will be used to inform conversations and workshops during the festival, and may also be incorporated into the performance itself. In this form, you can also indicate whether you’d like to take part in one of the free workshops during Theaterfestival Boulevard, on themes such as dance, fashion and mental health.

Who is this questionnaire for?
Anyone who has experienced mental health challenges—either personally or as a witness—is welcome to participate. While the work focuses on Black men and men of colour navigating therapy, stigma, loss and growth, we are open to all stories and recognise that mental health struggles are universal.

We’re keen to hear about your lived experiences, thoughts and ideas. There are no right or wrong answers. Everything you share matters.

It takes about 15 minutes to fill out.

On Wed 13 and Thu 14 August, choreographer Joseph Toonga will bring his new performance 'The Body Black Festival: Joy isn't always Joy' to Den Bosch.

Joseph Toonga is a leading choreographer creating dance productions rooted in hiphop and inspired by real life stories. Raised in London, born in Cameroon, he combines hiphop with contemporary dance. He pioneered his own dance company and talent development programme, and has been working as an emerging choreographer at The Royal Ballet in London for the past years.

The Body Black Festival project aims to explore personal stories with mental health and promote understanding and support. To do this, Joseph has created a questionnaire to collect experiences. He will also invite young people to participate in a workshop during Boulevard.

During Boulevard, you can participate in one of the following four workshops with Joseph Toonga.

• You can participate in these workshops for free.
• There is room for 20 participants per workshop.
• The workshops are given in English.
• The workshops will take place in the studio of the Bank van Leening, Schilderstraat 33 Den Bosch.

After the performances on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August, there will be a discussion with the participants of the sessions (without an audience) led by Vincent Wijlhuizen.

Want to talk about mental health and move to the most powerful beats? Join a unique dance session with top choreographer Joseph Toonga and KRUMP specialist Ricardo da Silva. Together we will explore how dance can be a form of healing and expression—even when words fail.

The workshop offers a deeper understanding of how Joseph and the team use Krump as a way to release emotions, especially in connection to identity and lived experience. This session also provides a space to connect with other youth through movement.

No experience is required—all curious, open and creative young people are welcome.

The workshop will be led by:
Joseph Toonga – Choreographer & Creative Director
Lucas Veiga – Brazilian Psychotherapist & Author

Into fashion? Dive into the world of costume design with Vitória Flores, known for her raw and meaningful designs. Discover how clothes tell stories, shape identities and express emotions – with examples from Joy isn’t always Joy - The Body Black Festival. Bring you sketchbook! 

Parallel to this, a dance session will take place with Joseph Toonga, Ricardoda Silva and their team. You will learn about the personal dance language that Joseph is developing for Joy isn’t always Joy. An opportunity to bring movement and meaning together.

Into dance? Discover the personal dance language that Joseph and his team are developing for 'Joy isn’t always Joy'. An opportunity to bring movement and meaning together.

Through improvisation exercises and an exploration of the themes, take a deep dive into the movement language of 'The Body Black Festival – Joy isn’t always Joy'.

No experience is necessary—all curious, open, and creative young people are welcome.

Have you always wanted to know how a dance performance is made? Step into the creative process of The Body Black Festival. You will meet the artists, watch in the studio and hear how music, fashion and dance come together into one powerful whole.

All makers share their story. You can ask questions. And you will see Joseph and his team live at work!