When Quin (21) inherits her father’s hairdressing salon following his death, she is faced with a difficult choice. Should she sell the business or carry on his life’s work? Whilst she is unsure about the future, she discovers that her inheritance extends far beyond bricks and mortar or money. Amidst the mirrors, hairdryers and barber’s chairs, she finds a community bound together by stories, memories and shared experiences.

Kapsalon the musical is set in an Afro hair salon, a place where generations come together and where people laugh, mourn and celebrate. The result is a rhythmic and moving story about identity, family, loss and the universal need to be seen and loved.

With a catchy mix of musical theatre, Afro-beats, hip-hop, gospel, kaseko and contemporary pop influences, Dionne Verwey brings a unique sound to Dutch musical theatre. The production moves effortlessly between vulnerability and resilience, between sorrow and joy.

Kapsalon the musical is the second production within Brand New Musicals, an initiative by 30 theatres, O. Festival and NANOEK. Together, they give a new generation of musical theatre makers the chance to tell their stories on Dutch stages.

• concept & direction Dionne Verwey