How do you translate a live performance into an exhibition space? Kunsthal Rotterdam and Theater Rotterdam are joining forces for a special experiment: the successful production (Sur)render by theatre-maker and choreographer Alida Dors serves as the starting point for an immersive exhibition. In this new form, you experience the themes of the multidisciplinary theatre production not only as a spectator, but become part of them yourself.

In (Sur)render, dance, music, poetry and video art come together in a reflection on the systems we live in and their impact on people and the planet. Through this joint production, Kunsthal Rotterdam and Theater Rotterdam explore how a stage work can take on a new life within the context of an exhibition. The immersive installation at the Kunsthal offers a spatial translation of the same artistic and societal questions. At its heart is the relationship between humans and nature: how have we become disconnected from one another, and how can we reconnect?

Sensory journey

Through an immersive scenography developed by Elsemarijn Bruys, you are taken through six sensory spaces that represent different stages in the relationship between human beings and nature. The spaces evoke alternating feelings of detachment, oppression, confrontation and tranquillity. (Sur)render is a journey that invites you to reflect on your own position in the world.

Marianne Splint about the collaboration

"This collaboration with Theater Rotterdam ties in with the Kunsthal’s ambition to explore new presentation formats. The performance (Sur)render left a deep impression on me and I am therefore very much looking forward to what this collaboration will bring. I believe the manner in which this project has come into being to be equally worthwhile: two leading Rotterdam institutions jointly entering into something without first determining what it should end up as. This requires mutual trust, and to me that is exactly what makes this collaboration so powerful."

Alida Dors on (Sur)render

“I am convinced that our current view of humanity is no longer sustainable. The unnatural systems we work in are causing one burnout after another. We are exhausting ourselves and the world. But it is not too late. In (Sur)render, we surrender to a new sense of ‘we’, in which we acknowledge that we depend on one another and on nature.”

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(Sur)render, photo Stacii Samidin, 2025
(Sur)render, photo Stacii Samidin, 2025
(Sur)render, photo Mark Bolk
(Sur)render, photo Mark Bolk
(Sur)render, photo Amanda Harput

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

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