Matter that Moves
Makers Lab 2026
Before your very eyes, pieces of foam rubber come to life. They take on breath, weight, and a character of their own.
During Matter that Moves, you’ll see the familiar foam rubber creations of Duda Paiva and Cat Smits, but performed by a new generation of visual theater artists.
In short performances lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, they depict how hope keeps us moving in uncertain times—without technology or speed, but driven entirely by the human body and the human imagination.
Discover the work of Veronika Zablotska (Ukraine), Tatiana Śpiewak (Poland), and Tijmen Teunissen (the Netherlands), and experience visual theater that moves, amazes, and invites you to see things differently.
After the performance, Cat Smits and Duda Paiva will talk with the creators and the audience—about inspiration, their creative process, and the artistic exploration behind the work.
With the Matter that Moves Makerslab 2026, Duda Paiva Company and De Lieve Vrouw are providing a platform for a new generation of visual theater artists who use foam rubber sculptures as living partners on stage.
The makers
Veronika Zablotska
A multidisciplinary performer, teacher, and creator whose practice combines acting, choreography, movement, and vocal expression into a deeply embodied stage presence. Veronika brings a nuanced, hybrid approach to movement and physical storytelling, shaped by her experiences with displacement and cultural transition. In this project, Veronika explores manipulation as ensemble work, collaborating with fellow artists Sjoerd Eltink and Buket Soydar. The music was composed by Panos Gklistis.
Tatiana Śpiewak
A dynamic dance and performance artist who grew up in Warsaw and is based in Amsterdam. With a strong foundation in contemporary and interdisciplinary performance practice, Tatiana explores movement beyond conventional dance forms, extending into performance, film, and education. Her work often examines presence, identity, and embodiment with humor and depth. In this project, Tatiana will create a solo piece featuring a sculpture by Duda Paiva Company.
Tijmen Teunissen
A Rotterdam-based contemporary dancer and creator, trained at ArtEZ University of the Arts. Tijmen has performed extensively in both dance and interdisciplinary contexts and is a co-founder of Lazy Susan & Co, a dance collective known for its rigorous movement work and innovative collaborations. His practice combines physical precision with conceptual curiosity. In this project, Tijmen will create a solo piece featuring a sculpture by the Duda Paiva Company.
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