We are theater makers, actors, musicians, and scriptwriters. We are all the creative professionals who make a theater production fun, beautiful, thrilling, and engaging. Since 2008, we’ve been working together on productions for both young people and adults. Our perspective is always artistic, social, ánd educational.
We have a mission. We create high-quality theatrical productions of substance. These are bold, taboo-breaking theatre plays. They make young people think. That opens up conversations for teachers, who use our educational program as a resource. But our productions are relatable for everyone, ‘kada ken’. What you hear, what you see, the music, the language, and the performance. We exclude no one. That is how real conversations start. Again and again.
We have a vision. Theater is uniquely suited to spark and inspire. We believe in that wholeheartedly. We bring new stories from fresh perspectives and experiment with language, movement, and space. Our artistic approach contributes to your self-awareness and to society’s awareness. We seek depth. Our productions get up close and personal. They reflect your life and your situation. We speak your language, we use modern technology, and we honor the island’s traditions, like cabaret, dance, and puppetry. It’s a collaboration between audience and performers, actors and theatre makers, dancers and choreographers. We work alongside our partners and organizations within the Curaçaoan theater scene. That collaboration, that play of interaction and co-creation, is our foundation. We’re here to stay.
In 2024 our hard work and perseverance are rewarded with a multi-year grant from the Fonds Podiumkunsten (Performing Arts Fund). With financial support for at least four new productions, we’re able to build a sustainable organization for the future and work toward greater reach and impact for our performances. This also gives young and emerging talents a chance to grow, for example as actors, technicians, or production assistants.
We are the makers
The management
Milushka Birge
Milushka holds up a mirror so you don’t forget who you are. That, to her, is the essence of theatre. That’s why in 2002 she chose E homber ku a bira un kachó (The man who became a dog) as her production for the Kaya Kaya street festival in Otrobanda. It’s about dehumanization and the loss of identity. It reminds her of what people are capable of doing to each other. This absurd piece of theatre moved her deeply back when she was still studying at the University of the Arts in Utrecht. But in 2002, in Curaçao, the message of the play turned out to reflect harsh reality. Over the years, she has played many different roles as an actress in the Dutch theatre scene, and today she mostly works as a screenwriter and director here in Curaçao. Buckle up if you’re going to one of Milushka’s shows. Her themes are always drawn straight from life. What else would you expect from a woman who’s been in the profession for over fifty years?! She aims to make people think and address issues that are socially relevant. That’s why Teatro KadaKen embraces her creations with open arms. The most recent productions Milushka directed are Rumannan Purunchi and Piar in 2025, in collaboration with Teatro KadaKen. She is currently working on the children’s performance Den Mondi di Kabayé, which will premiere in 2026 at Teatro Aula.
Juan-Carlos Goilo
Juan-Carlos Goilo has been exploring the connection between words, rhythm, and sound since he was a young boy. As a child, he sang in a choir in Curaçao and as a teenager, he played in a punk band. Juan-Carlos is both an anthropologist and an artist. He loves versatility. Not only is he experienced in arts, but also in empowerment and policy. That’s why you could call him a ‘culture designer’. This involves history, identity, justice, and climate. Juan-Carlos is a storyteller, and on stage his research, community work, and art come together. What seems abstract and complex suddenly becomes tangible and close. He is one of the creators at Teatro KadaKen and is working as a director and writer on the theatrical production Mariana Franko. That production will be performed in 2027 at Teatro Aula. Juan-Carlos enjoys bringing hidden stories to the surface. These often relate to Curaçaoan history, but from a different perspective than the one you might be used to. That’s exactly why Juan-Carlos works with us. A play of perspectives, inclusion of voices you aren’t likely to hear very often, that is typical for Teatro KadaKen.
The management
Maryluska ‘Lou’ Nisbet
Lou Nisbet has been closely involved with Stichting Teatro KadaKen from the very beginning. After studying Business Administration at the University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) and Policy and Organizational Studies at Tilburg University, Lou gained experience in the Netherlands. After that she returned to her birthplace Curaçao, and in 2009 she produced Teatro KadaKen’s first youth theatre performance: E dekonstrukshon di Edsel K. The modern, creative, and professional approach was successful and th performance played for full houses. That was just the beginning. Since then, almost every year, a new production has followed. Lou fought for her dream: a theatre just for Teatro KadaKen. She succeeded! At the end of 2021, Teatro Aula opened its doors at Huize Welgelegen. As Managing Director of Teatro KadaKen, Lou lovingly creates the space for Curaçaoan stories to be powerfully brought to life on stage.
We are the Board
Wesley Eleonora - Chair
Wesley Eleonora operates at the intersection of culture, heritage, and professionalism within the Curaçaoan community. He is committed to development, accessibility, and inclusion. He does this as an IT specialist and as a volunteer, for example, as chairman of Teatro KadaKen, because we stand for inclusivity and recognition. These are values Wesley holds dear and passionately supports.
“I believe in the power of culture and the performing arts to connect people and pass on stories to current and future generations.”
Within the board of KadaKen, Wesley focuses on the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the organization, as well as partnerships with other parties. He sees us as an important part of the Curaçaoan community. Here at KadaKen, we celebrate our cultural roots, share stories, and come together. That space now exists. This is the place where culture lives and where everyone can feel welcome.
Wernher Suares -Treasurer
Wernher loves words, loves language. Which is why he earned a master’s degree in English Language and Literature at Radboud University in Nijmegen in 1994. He previously worked as a teacher of English and Papiamentu, but his passion lies in translating literary works. On Curaçao, Wernher runs his own translation agency, Linguares Language Studio. Over more than twenty years, he has translated various books, children’s books, and short stories. He supports KadaKen as a board member because of its important role in Curaçaoan society. For him, it’s about the themes that come to light, themes that invite reflection.
“In these times, it is essential that we hold up a mirror to ourselves. You could ask why we behave in a certain way and then reflect on that. That sparks a discussion, and starts the healing of our community.”
“In these times, it is essential that we hold up a mirror to ourselves. You could ask why we behave in a certain way and then reflect on that. That sparks a discussion, and starts the healing of our community.”
Zwendeline Vlijt - Board Member
Every person has a voice and a story. Every person deserves to be heard. Zwendeline is convinced of that. Working with people, seeing how they develop, that is her passion. That’s where art and theatre come in as powerful tools to reach people at their core. It helps them connect with themselves and with others. And that’s how Zwendeline feels connected to the work of Teatro KadaKen.
“Here at KadaKen, people can be themselves. It is a safe space, one that opens up room for dialogue, healing, and awareness. Here you feel seen, valued, and important. Especially when you are young. That is something our community needs.”
Zwendeline truly wants to make a difference for Teatro KadaKen. She listens, thinks along, and supports the processes within the organization. Because these productions deal with heavy, difficult topics. She sees how theatre offers a way to build people’s resilience, to empower them. That touches her heart. So, to her this isn’t just any board position, it feels like a calling. This is meaningful. Seeing KadaKen grow into an organization with lasting impact on people and the community, that is her wish.
We are the team
Juranklin Marten – Technician
Burney Cruden – Decor
Nacheska Johannes – Education
Tiffany Dunker – Production assistant
Alexandra Martijn – Assistant director
Melanta Ayon – Artistic assistant
Rayla Heuijmans – Stagiair
Margo Groenewoud - Advisor
Want to better understand the history and society of Curaçao? There’s a high probablility that Margo can help you. She is a historian who specialized during her studies at Leiden University in the social and cultural history of the Caribbean in the twentieth century. From 2008 to 2023, she worked for the University of Curaçao. In 2017, she earned her PhD with her dissertation ‘Nou koest, nou kalm. De ontwikkeling van de Curaçaose samenleving, 1915 – 1973. Van koloniaal en kerkelijk gezag naar zelfbestuur en burgerschap’ [‘Now hush, now calm. The development of Curaçaoan society, 1915 – 1973. From colonial and ecclesiastical authority to self-government and citizenship’].
Margo serves as advisor and researcher for Teatro KadaKen. She is a source of knowledge, keeps us sharp with her critical questions, and is our photographer during performances and rehearsals.