Reviews
De Theaterkrant, Sander Janssens, February 24, 2025
With threatening sighing sounds and squeaking whistles, music collective Black Pencil immediately blows a storm over the stage. Beautifully dissonant sounds are pressed from an accordion, brushing wind carries away from the sound box of a violin.
The main strength of this small, three-quarters of an hour show is in the interaction between the clear, down-to-earth acting of Alink, and the five musicians on the stage. Her parents are sad-left alone on the boat – can be heard in the comfort of the violin playing and the deep, familiar sounds of the accordion. Janna's inner turmoil, sways in the nervous percussion.
Entire worlds [are] evoked: from a fish dance in a mysterious underwater world to the posh mayoral village of Middelbuurt, where stately organ-like sounds from the accordion evoke the expensive houses and large churches.
Hanna van der Woude, September 26, 2024
An ode to the childish imagination
In Shockwave, the musicians are a constant presence on stage as Alink's opponents. It is this collaboration that takes this family show to a higher level.
During the performance Janna meets many characters, who are expressed by Black Pencil with their music (instruments). The audience does not know what the musician is saying, but Janna interprets for us. She dialogues with herself and this is done in such a way that it is always clear whether Janna is speaking or another character.
In Shockwave, various theatrical means such as text, acting, props, costumes and sound/music work together to convey the imaginative world that Janna experiences to the audience. The family show is a pleasure to watch and is definitely recommended for both children and adults!
Kanteldenker, Marcel Kolder, February 24, 2025
Shockwave: Better than Peter and the Wolf, more fun than Disney's Little Mermaid and more playful than youth theatre. It is a feast for the eyes, ears and mind.
A fresh, modern approach and a deeper emotional layer on themes such as climate, loss and hope.
Shockwave / “Schokgolf” [bursts] with playfulness and inventiveness, thanks in part to the dynamic contribution of actress Yara Alink and the iconic rabbit Marietje.
Visually, the show is a spectacle: the colorful worlds and surprising encounters stimulate the imagination. Auditively, Black Pencil excels with their characteristic, adventurous sounds that seamlessly connect with the story. It is a delight for the mind, with a message that touches both children and adults.
Prepublicity
Almere Deze Week, February 05, 2025
What if the climate suddenly forces you to leave everything behind? With this provocative question, the family show Shockwave (6+) by Black Pencil and actress Yara Alink takes the audience on a magical journey full of music, humor and emotion.
“We want children to feel and experience the music composed especially for Black Pencil, with Schokland as a source of inspiration, in an accessible way,” says artistic director Jorge Isaac. The musicians of Black Pencil are also actors in Schokgolf (Shockwave). “They speak through their instruments. This creates wonderful dialogues,” says actress Yara Alink.
Annechien Koerselman (stage direction, playwright and lightdesign): “I want the young audience to feel that everyone – just like Janna – can take on any adventure. No matter how big the changes are. If you keep your memories and what makes you you, it will always work out.”
