My Brother's Keeper
storytelling
Two storytellers, an Israeli and an Iranian, meet on stage to face the conversation that divides the world outside: Why do we turn on each other? What forces feed violence and separation? Through the ancient story of Cain & Abel, Raphael and Sahand explore jealousy, love, and the human need to belong. Their personal friendship, once a celebration of dialogue across borders, is now tested by real-world politics and growing polarisation. With live music on duduk, percussion, and voice, My Brother’s Keeper weaves myth and memory, humour and heartbreak, in a raw, intimate performance that moves between storytelling, ritual and concert.
“In a world that constantly demands us to take sides, our friendship itself becomes an act of resistance. The story of Cain & Abel is not ancient — it happens every day we forget that our enemy is also our brother.” Raphael & Sahand
Raphael Rodan is an Israeli-born theatre-maker and storyteller based in the Netherlands. Trained at the School of Speech and Drama (Harduf) and the Actors Temple in London. Known for merging personal and mythic storytelling to bridge divided identities. Sahand Sahebdivani is a Dutch-Iranian storyteller, founder of Mezrab House of Stories in Amsterdam. His work explores exile, heritage and collective memory. Percussionist Sjahin During (earth rhythms) and duduk-player Grigor Kartashyan (wind and lament) give the story its heartbeat. The two instruments echo Cain & Abel — conflict and grace — while transcending both through harmony. Singer Mary Aygetsy closes the circle with a haunting voice of reconciliation.
Storytellers: Raphael Rodan & Sahand Sahebdivani
Musicians: Sjahin During, Grigor Kartashyan, Mary Aygetsy
Director: Titus Tiel Groenestege
Set & Technical Design: Mirko Lazović
Produced by: Stichting Seraphim