Laura Sánchez's Welcome to Holland!?

Saturday, May 2 at 6:30 PM (doors 6:00 PM), 75-minute performance, followed by a Book Talk

Tickets are available for $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $35 for preferred seating (pay-what-you-can available)

All Ages

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Welcome to Holland!? A theatrical experience like no other

Is it possible to find meaning when life lead us down an unexpected path? 

Life does not always go as planned. Unexpected turns can radically change our course and reshape who we are. “Holland” becomes a metaphor for those moments; the ones that interrupt the life we imagined and invite us to create meaning within a new reality.

Welcome to Holland!? is a moving multidisciplinary performance that blends flamenco, spoken word, poetry, humor, and film. A danced monologue that invites audiences into a deeply human journey of discovering who you are within a reality you never chose.

This 75-minute experience follows the story of an immigrant mother navigating her own “Holland!?”, a life-altering situation after the birth of her second child. Rather than focusing on what was lost, the piece celebrates what emerges — resilience, creativity, connection, and the ability to find joy and gratitude in places we never imagined.

Welcome to Holland!? challenges preconceived ideas about identity, caregiving, disability, and belonging, inviting audiences to reflect, connect, and see the world — and one another — through a more inclusive and compassionate lens. This immersive theatrical experience reminds us that we all carry our own version of “Holland,” and that none of us are meant to move through these journeys alone.

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BOOK TALK with Laura Sánchez

Tulip Skin is a journey of self-discovery through art.

A true story of resilience told by a Spanish woman who emigrates to the United States chasing a dream and, after facing unexpected turns — including her daughter’s irreversible brain injury at birth — loses herself to the point of no longer knowing who she is.

Through dance, words, the body, and creation, she finds her way back home — to that intimate and safe place that lives within her.

What if the true work of life wasn’t about reaching perfection, but daring to be… and to become the most authentic version of ourselves?

This book invites us to explore who we truly are.

To let go of masks and demands.

To live in alignment with the soul.

To embrace life — even in darkness.

To stop fighting… and start flowing.

Because only from the truth of being yourself can you walk in freedom.

And shine with your soul uncovered, wearing your true Tulip Skin.

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Laura Sánchez is a multidisciplinary artist and stage creator — a dreamer at heart and an artist by vocation. After more than ten years of experience in the marketing world, she transformed her career to fully dedicate herself to her true mission: using art as a vehicle for personal transformation and social change.

Trained in Spanish Dance and Flamenco at the Conservatory of Madrid and in Expressive Therapies at Lesley University (U.S.), Laura is the creator of Expressive Flamenco©, a practice that fuses flamenco with authentic movement, art, and healing. Her research was published in 2021 in the American Journal of Dance Therapy, and she has shared her work at international conferences and workshops across Europe and the Americas.

She currently teaches at Harvard University and Lesley University, and tours the United States presenting her stage work Welcome to Holland!?.

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This event is co-presented by:

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Flier by Pixels & Pulp

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN

No one will be turned away from MSA events for lack of funds; please contact us at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to learn more and reserve tickets. Our box office staff are also happy to help.

EVENT PARKING

Free on-street parking is available in Mayo Street Arts’ neighborhood.

There is one paid parking lot conveniently located a six-minute walk from the venue: Top of the Old Port Parking (119 Pearl St, Portland ME 04101)

Mayo Street Arts is accessible by Greater Portland Metro bus routes with nearby transfer points 7, 9A & 9B. Click here to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

All performances and most other events held at Mayo Street Arts are wheelchair accessible. There are two accessible spots directly in front of our building, however there is not yet a curb cut out at that location.

If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at info@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.

SEATING POLICY

We will save your reserved seat until showtime, at which point any unclaimed seats may be offered to other people. Please call our box office at 207-879-4629 if you are running late.

CANCELATION POLICY

MSA has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.