On Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August, choreographer Joseph Toonga returns to Den Bosch. This time with the international premiere of his new dance performance, The Body Black Festival: Joy Isn't Always Joy.

In “The Body Black Festival: Joy Isn't Always Joy”, choreographer Joseph Toonga explores the inner struggles of Black young men. An emotionally charged dance performance that focuses on vulnerability. Joseph gives an insight into the inner world of young Black men, who often hide their pain behind a smile. In particular, young men of colour often live with hidden pain. Toonga's work is always a fusion between the social and the creative. He explores themes of identity, mental health and systemic inequality with raw movement language and spoken word. In “The Body Black Festival: Joy Isn't Always Joy”, he gives space to feelings and stories that often remain hidden, and invites you to explore your own vulnerability.

Previously, Toonga could be seen on Boulevard with his triptych “Born to Manifest” (2021), “Born to Protest” (2021) and “Born to Exist” (2022).

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

During Boulevard, you can participate in one of the following four workshops with Joseph Toonga: 
Saturday 9 August 10:00-13:00: Mental health x KRUMP dance workshop
Sunday 10 August 10:00-13:00: Fashion meets Story - Fashion workshop
Sunday 10 August 10:00-13:00: Dance meets Story/Identity and Resistance - Dance workshop
Monday 11 August 14:00-17:00: Inside the Studio - Creative Sneak Peek