Allround filmmaker of non-fiction short film, installation, Helstone (2025)
Mathieu Wijdeven  as research for - Theater Rotterdam

Mathieu follows in the footsteps of Surinamese composer J.N. Helstone, who once collaborated with his great-great-grandfather, G.G.T. Rustwijk. Step into the world of Rustwijk and Helstone — their spirit and perspective brought to life through the set and opera itself. This intimate installation forms part of Wijdeven’s long-term artistic exploration of his ancestor.

What do opera and Suriname have in common? Who was Helstone, the composer of the first Surinamese opera? And what kind of world did his contemporary Rustwijk create on stage? This installation invites you into a reconstruction of Het pand der goden (1906), where stories from experts, musicians and descendants — alongside historic locations, archive material and music from the opera itself — guide you through Helstone’s journey. An immersive experience that weaves past and present together, sparking new conversations about history, identity and art. This research lays the foundation for a new performance set to premiere in 2026.

WEBSITE
Design & Development: © Lucas Huikeshoven 2024 - 2025

Typeface - GAUCHE By C. Hurka& J. Egbers

Made with Laytheme

Allround filmmaker of non-fiction short film, installation, Helstone (2025)
Mathieu Wijdeven  as research for - Theater Rotterdam

Mathieu follows in the footsteps of Surinamese composer J.N. Helstone, who once collaborated with his great-great-grandfather, G.G.T. Rustwijk. Step into the world of Rustwijk and Helstone — their spirit and perspective brought to life through the set and opera itself. This intimate installation forms part of Wijdeven’s long-term artistic exploration of his ancestor.

What do opera and Suriname have in common? Who was Helstone, the composer of the first Surinamese opera? And what kind of world did his contemporary Rustwijk create on stage? This installation invites you into a reconstruction of Het pand der goden (1906), where stories from experts, musicians and descendants — alongside historic locations, archive material and music from the opera itself — guide you through Helstone’s journey. An immersive experience that weaves past and present together, sparking new conversations about history, identity and art. This research lays the foundation for a new performance set to premiere in 2026.

INSTALATION

The project is presented as a 3-channel video installation premiering at Oeral Festival, as part of the TRipp space residency in the summer of 2025. Presented on a miniture replica of theatre Thalia in Suriname, the installation gives the research a physical presence, and puts the audience in the viewpoint of the performer. The installation will be shown again later 2025. Shows are to be announced.