Work
Text
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A QUEER DIVINE DISSATISFACTION
Reflections on Jefta van Dinther’s choreographic works
Contemporary dance culture finds itself at a critical juncture—shaped by current social and political developments, evolving aesthetics, new demands from the art market, and ongoing technological change. Conceived as a platform for reflection on artistic practice today, A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction offers perspectives, contexts, and in-depth analyses of the choreographic works of Jefta van Dinther.
This publication emerges in response to calls from critics, presenters, and audiences for deeper insight into Van Dinther’s sources, artistic choices, formal strategies, and wider cultural context. Rather than offering definitive interpretations, the book opens space for reflection, speculation, and dialogue.
Edited by Gabriel Smeets, A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction situates Van Dinther’s work within broader questions of contemporary culture. At its core lies the written word where renowned scholars from the international contemporary arts field, alongside close collaborators, friends, and family members, were invited to reflect on Van Dinther’s artistic practice and contribute to this collective exploration. We are deeply grateful for their participation and contributions to this publication.
Contributors include Gabriel Smeets (writer and dramaturg), Gabriele Brandstetter (professor of dance studies), Pieter T’Jonck (architect, writer, and art critic), Sandra Noeth (professor, curator, dramaturg), Josefine Wikström (senior lecturer, writer, dance critic), Steven Serels (historian), Chrysa Parkinson (dancer, performer, professor of dance), emeka ene (performer), Linda Adami (dancer and dancer’s coach), Franz Rogowski (film actor), and John van Dinther (minister, pastor, and church planter).
This collection of texts represents the most comprehensive attempt to date to approach Van Dinther’s artistic world through language—acknowledging both its rigor and a resistance to closure.
Credits
Editor: Gabriel Smeets
Copy editor: Steven Serels
Essays: Gabriele Brandstetter, Sandra Noeth, Steven Serels,
Pieter T’Jonck and Josefine Wikström
Interviews: Linda Adami, John van Dinther, emeka ene,
Chrysa Parkinson and Franz Rogowski
Design: Micha van Dinther
Transcription interviews and translation: Oliver Bauerhenn
Print: Manmade Agentuur
Copyrights: Jefta van Dinther 2025
Printed in 1,250 copies
The title of this publication is taken from a quote by Martha Graham in
the biography Martha, the life and work of Martha Graham by Agnes de
Mille, Random House, 1991.
This book was published for the occasion of A Queer Divine
Dissatisfaction–A retrospective by Jefta van Dinther at HAU Hebbel am
Ufer (Berlin) on 12-23 November 2025.
Funded within the framework of the Alliance of International Production
Houses by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and
the Media and by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.
Resources
Press images
Design and images courtesy of: Micha van Dinther
Work
A QUEER DIVINE DISSATISFACTION
Reflections on Jefta van Dinther’s choreographic works
Contemporary dance culture finds itself at a critical juncture—shaped by current social and political developments, evolving aesthetics, new demands from the art market, and ongoing technological change. Conceived as a platform for reflection on artistic practice today, A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction offers perspectives, contexts, and in-depth analyses of the choreographic works of Jefta van Dinther.
This publication emerges in response to calls from critics, presenters, and audiences for deeper insight into Van Dinther’s sources, artistic choices, formal strategies, and wider cultural context. Rather than offering definitive interpretations, the book opens space for reflection, speculation, and dialogue.
Edited by Gabriel Smeets, A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction situates Van Dinther’s work within broader questions of contemporary culture. At its core lies the written word where renowned scholars from the international contemporary arts field, alongside close collaborators, friends, and family members, were invited to reflect on Van Dinther’s artistic practice and contribute to this collective exploration. We are deeply grateful for their participation and contributions to this publication.
Contributors include Gabriel Smeets (writer and dramaturg), Gabriele Brandstetter (professor of dance studies), Pieter T’Jonck (architect, writer, and art critic), Sandra Noeth (professor, curator, dramaturg), Josefine Wikström (senior lecturer, writer, dance critic), Steven Serels (historian), Chrysa Parkinson (dancer, performer, professor of dance), emeka ene (performer), Linda Adami (dancer and dancer’s coach), Franz Rogowski (film actor), and John van Dinther (minister, pastor, and church planter).
This collection of texts represents the most comprehensive attempt to date to approach Van Dinther’s artistic world through language—acknowledging both its rigor and a resistance to closure.
Credits
Editor: Gabriel Smeets
Copy editor: Steven Serels
Essays: Gabriele Brandstetter, Sandra Noeth, Steven Serels,
Pieter T’Jonck and Josefine Wikström
Interviews: Linda Adami, John van Dinther, emeka ene,
Chrysa Parkinson and Franz Rogowski
Design: Micha van Dinther
Transcription interviews and translation: Oliver Bauerhenn
Print: Manmade Agentuur
Copyrights: Jefta van Dinther 2025
Printed in 1,250 copies
The title of this publication is taken from a quote by Martha Graham in
the biography Martha, the life and work of Martha Graham by Agnes de
Mille, Random House, 1991.
This book was published for the occasion of A Queer Divine
Dissatisfaction–A retrospective by Jefta van Dinther at HAU Hebbel am
Ufer (Berlin) on 12-23 November 2025.
Funded within the framework of the Alliance of International Production
Houses by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and
the Media and by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.
Resources
Images
Design and images courtesy of: Micha van Dinther
