paroolNov 5, 2026, 02:00

Youth play 'Dope' is topical, but rhyming about drug crime is a bit easy

The Rotterdam theater group Wat we doen has released a play titled Dope that explores the realities and societal pressures of drug-related youth crime. While the production is praised for its relevant theme and powerful dance sequences, critics noted that the character development and overly rhymed dialogue lack the necessary emotional depth.

The Rotterdam-based theater group Wat we doen has launched a new production titled Dope, which aims to examine the world of drug-related crime and its impact on young people. The play features a stage set as a blue shipping container and follows two parallel family dramas involving a father and a customs officer, both struggling to maintain a connection with their children. By collaborating with criminologists, the group seeks to explore why youths with limited prospects are drawn to fast money and who bears the responsibility for their involvement in criminal activities.

While the production effectively utilizes modern themes, critics noted that the characters feel one-dimensional and the dialogue is often hindered by overly simplistic rhyming. However, the performance is significantly elevated by the dynamic choreography from Lloydscompany. Dancers Dorrit Griffioen and Chivano de Mee provide the emotional intensity and energy that the script lacks, transforming the production during their sequences. Ultimately, while the show successfully highlights that drug criminality is a societal issue rather than just a problem within vulnerable neighborhoods, the narrative execution remains uneven.

Culture

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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