Rapper Keizer about his role in The Passion: ‘I gained more understanding for Judas’ | Media

The Passion comes from the Latin “patior”, which means something like “suffering” or “to endure”. It refers to the short final period before the death of Jesus. KRO-NCRV has been making a musical retelling of the Biblical story since 2011.

It is a familiar story for 36-year-old Rozelsky Steve Lie-A-Jen, better known as rapper Keizer. The Surinam-born rapper was raised Roman Catholic. “I learned the faith from home and as a child I regularly went to church. But when I started puberty, I no longer felt like it,” Keizer tells NU.nl. “I don’t know exactly what faith means to me. I’m still a bit searching.”

What Keizer had no doubts about was his participation in the annual spectacle. The musician admits that he has never seen the KRO-NCRV Easter story in the thirteen years that it has been on television. But he knew it. “When I was asked to play a role in The Passion I didn’t have to think about it for a second. It’s an opportunity to be part of something big.”

Although not everyone around him was a fan of the role of traitor. “Some people told me they would never play Judas. But it is a role. I would play any role, even Mary,” jokes Keizer, who would like to act more in the future.

The musician, who is known for songs such as Mom Sorry, Who is the boss and Emperor, King, Admiral, saw more than a traitor in his character Judas. “When I delved into the character, I mainly saw frustration and jealousy. Jesus was the son of the almighty and the one whose feet were anointed. I gradually gained more understanding for Judas.”

Every year, several famous Dutch people play a role in the Biblical story. This year, musical actor William Spaaij takes on the role of Jesus, actress Angela Schijf plays Mary and presenter Robbert Rodenburg plays the role of unbelieving Tomas. The other leading roles are played by Matteo van der Grijn (Petrus) and Gaia Aikman (Maria Magdelena). This year’s narrator is writer Raymond van de Klundert, better known as Kluun.

Also the theme of The Passion changes every year. This year it is I believe in you. According to KRO-NCRV, a theme that expresses trust is “important in times of distrust and polarization. In a world full of challenges and difficulties, this theme is a powerful message of hope and solidarity.”

Keizer plays the role of Judas Iscariot. He was a follower of Jesus and one of the twelve apostles, but at some point turned against him. The kiss that Judas gave to Jesus, just before he handed him over to the high priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, became the symbol of betrayal.

The rapper, who in his preparation looked at others who preceded him in the role, such as Dennis Weening and Buddy Vedder, is satisfied if he can convey Judas’ emotions to the viewer. “I have little text to work with, it’s all about body language and facial expression. To evoke the right emotions, I try to put myself in certain situations that I have experienced myself.”

Keizer, who added his experience The Passion described so far as “great”, is ready for the live broadcast, although he finds it exciting. “It’s getting more exciting every day. But I’m going to switch off and not think too much. The lyrics are there and I’m ready for it,” said the rapper. “I think the release comes afterwards.”

The fourteenth edition of The Passion can be seen on Thursday, March 28, live from Zeist, at KRO-NCRV on NPO1.