flemish primitives
2022 - 2023
In 2021, Dubai is the first country in the Middle East to host the World Expo – the 35th to be exact. Belgium is also participating, sending a group of young artists with a project on Flemish Mastery. From Van Eyck to De Keersmaeker, from Brueghel and Rubens to Platel and Van Noten, from craftsmanship to high-tech. It turns out that their stay in the Arab emirate gave them convincing insights into the social engineering of success.
Back in Belgium, these makers put it to the test, with the central question being: 'Who will be the Flemish Master of tomorrow?' Under the watchful eye of the public, seven young Flemings - sharing only their desire for success and their immigrant background – will undergo a series of experiments.
Who's pulling out of the rat race? Who perpetuates the belief in the survival of the fittest? How do 'nature' and 'nurture' relate in their struggle for success? Flemish Primitives shines new light on flashy talent shows and the malleability of success. Together with seven young performers, director Chokri Ben Chikha explores the relationship between the urge to excel and the spectacularization of difference.
De Standaard (BE) ★★★★
“In the tension that follows, the space between a slap in the face and a hug, between mastery and humanity, Flemish Primitives shows its great strength. And that of theatre.”
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Avant-premiere
10.03 – NTGent Schouwburg, Gent (BE)
Premiere
11.03 – NTGent Schouwburg, Gent (BE)18.03 – Theater Antigone, Kortrijk (BE)
19.03 – Theater Antigone, Kortrijk (BE)
24.03 – Kaaitheater, Brussel (BE)
25.03 – Kaaitheater, Brussel (BE)1.04 – Theater Rotterdam (NL)
3.04 – Monty, Antwerpen (BE)
4.04 – Monty, Antwerpen (BE)22 > 24.09 – NTGent Minnemeers, Gent (BE)
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20.09 – CC Westrand, Dilbeek (BE)
22 > 24.09 – Brakke Grond, Amsterdam (NL)
28.09 – Corso, Berchem (BE)
30.09 – CC Sint-Niklaas (BE)10.10 – NTGent Minnemeers, Gent (BE)
11.10 – NTGent Minnemeers, Gent (BE)
14.10 – CC Brugge (BE)
19.10 – CC Zwanenberg, Heist-Op-Den-Berg (BE)
25.10 – CC De Spil, Roeselare (BE)
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
Flemish Primitives © kvde.be
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Concept/Director/Choreography Chokri Ben Chikha
With and by Izah Hankammer, Pjotr Nuyts/Arno Verbruggen, Hellen Boyko, Vivien Piti, Alya Camara/Papus Keita, Moussa Ndiaye
Presentation Francesca Vanthielen/Michaël PasText Erik-Ward Geerlings, Erwin Jans
Choreography Laura Neyskens (Inspired by choreographies by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Alain Platel, Wim Vandekeybus)
Dramaturgy Raphaël VandeweyerLive Video Niko Himschoot
Music Osama Abdulrasol
Visuals Nick Hannes, Kurt van der Elst
Costume Robin Verslegers, Marij De Brabandere
Scenography Fish Eye
Video Pascal Poissonier, Messervideo, Heren Loebas commissioned by Visit FlandersLighting design Francis Gahide
Technical coordination Bennert Van Cottem
Technical Jonathan Maes, Wim PiqueurThanks to Aymon Antoine, Astrid Vansteenkiste, Zouzou Ben Chikha, Arend Pinoy, Joline Vermeulen, Wilfried Van Craen, Alain Van Hiel, Hetti Helsmoortel, Dirk De Wachter, Jan Dumoulyn, Paul Verhaeghe, Stef Ampe, Thijs Degheldere (Brands And Stories)
Production Action Zoo Humain
Coproduction Perpodium
In cooperation with NTGent, Co-Labo Les Ballets C De La B
Partners City of Ghent, KASK, Flemish CommunityWith the support of the Belgian Federal Government's Tax Shelter through Cronos Invest.
