What happened in Suriname during the Second World War?
Theatre maker Emma Lesuis sets out in search of answers in this musical live documentary. With archival footage, interviews, and the music of Silbersee, she brings a forgotten history to life. More than Bauxite was one of the audience favorites at Oerol 2024. Now showing at De Harmonie as part of our New Makers series.
More than Bauxite is a powerful and poignant piece of theatre that sheds light on untold wartime stories from Suriname. It’s often said that the war had little impact there—but is that really true? In More than Bauxite, theatre maker Emma Lesuis seeks the real story. She inherited a treasure trove of archival material, including film footage from the 1940s and 1950s. These images sparked her journey into an overlooked chapter of Surinamese history.
Emma traveled to Suriname and spoke with people who still remember the war years—stories that have rarely, if ever, been told. She visited locations where history becomes tangible. The result is an intimate and cinematic theatre performance that resonates deeply. In collaboration with Silbersee, she presents a musical live documentary where archival footage, interviews, and music come together.
The performance exists at the intersection of musical theatre, documentary, and storytelling. The audience is offered a unique glimpse into life in Suriname during the war years. With emotion, humor, and sharp insight, Emma tells of daily life during a time of global turmoil—and of local stories that remained hidden for far too long.
More than Bauxite was met with great enthusiasm during Oerol 2024. All 17 performances sold out within a day. Audiences and critics alike were full of praise.
“A powerful and important theatre work about Suriname during World War II.” — Theaterkrant
“A born storyteller who captivates her audience with humor and a sharp mind.” — Het Parool
This performance is part of SHIFT, an initiative by Explore the North and Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie.
Raw, honest, current, and disruptive. SHIFT is where you go to find out what’s really going on—in your mind, in the world, with others, and within yourself, both big and small. For curious thinkers and critical dreamers. Throughout the year, SHIFT presents must-see performances at various locations, off the beaten path of traditional theatre. From spoken word to postmodern dance. From theatrical manifestos to poetic requiems. These are performances by both emerging and established makers that engage with current events and the future.eater. Van spoken word tot postmoderne dans. Van theatraal pamflet tot poëtisch requiem. Het zijn voorstellingen van jonge én meer gevestigde makers die raken aan de actualiteit en de toekomst.