About
The exhibition Wit speelt Zwart is at Allard Pierson, Amsterdam, on 4 December 2026. It examines how theatre contributed to the normalisation of blackface in the Netherlands.
What to expect
The exhibition uses material from the Allard Pierson theatre collection and contemporary art to examine how theatre contributed to the normalisation of blackface on Dutch stages and beyond.
- Includes minstrel shows, revues, plays and sketchshows
- First Dutch minstrel shows appeared in 1847
- Links blackface to colonialism and slavery
- Also covers racist entertainment like human zoo
Questions
When does White Plays Black start and end?
White Plays Black runs Friday, 4 December 2026, 10:00 until 17:00.
Where is White Plays Black?
White Plays Black takes place at Allard Pierson, Oude Turfmarkt 127, Amsterdam.
What does the exhibition cover?
It examines how theatre contributed to the normalisation of blackface on Dutch stages and beyond.
It uses material from the Allard Pierson theatre collection and contemporary art.
It also covers other racist entertainment, such as human zoo.
Amsterdam
Getting there
Allard Pierson, Oude Turfmarkt 127, 1012 GC Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL
Open in Maps (opens in a new window)
