We often hear about intergenerational trauma, but what else might get passed on across generations?  Why have we limited intergenerational inheritances to trauma? If pain can linger, then why can’t solace?

Is one life enough to become whole again? Yes. In the intimate monologue Dit is (niet) de evolutietheorie van de troost (This is not the evolutionary theory of consolation), inspired by Aya Sabi’s novel Half leven (Half Life), Shams – played by Dounia Mahammed – explores her inheritance of pain, healing and resilience. We follow her as she reflects on major existential questions – but also while she simply buys a scarf. We have to touch on the pain, but we also go beyond. 

Intergenerational consolation: a heritable feeling of safety and trust. 
 

Dit is (niet) de evolutietheorie van de troost in the press
 

“What brings comfort is daring to stay with the pain, making space for it.”
— Aya Sabi, Knack Focus

“That measured way of speaking, cautious and tentative, unexpectedly resonates with what unfolds on stage. Sometimes restraint is not a shortcoming, but a form of care. Here, softness appears not as a solution, but as an attitude, a form of resistance.”
— Maliqa Fye, Etcetera

“We need to surround ourselves more with what makes us feel safe.”
— Aya Sabi, De Standaard