testament van een journalist

testament of a journalist

2021 - 2023

In an era in which no one really understands how our systems work and some people might trade human rights for an iPad or a subscription to Flair magazine, we are increasingly guided by gossip, perception and gut feeling. Never before has there been such a cacophony of information: everyone is a journalist. Is this the end of journalism?

In Testament of a Journalist, Action Zoo Humain invites the public to a last supper to celebrate the end of journalism. At the head of the table sits host and beloved, feared and reviled journalist Hugo Camps. As a symbol of an entire generation of journalists, he bids farewell and opens his will. One last time, he looks back and shares his prophecies with his followers, his betrayers and the silent crowd.

Because I stand here on behalf of journalism, on behalf of the written word.
Because I stand here on behalf of all humanity.

Because you accuse me of arrogance.
Because you accuse me of humility.
Because you accuse me of hypocrisy.
Because I pretend to be someone I am not.

Because you recognise that
Because you are just as deceitful as I am
Because you are just as afraid as I am
Because you are just as overconfident as I am

Because tonight I am throwing everything away
Everything I have
My whole life
Because I have always done so

  • 2021

    21.07 > 25.07 – Sint-Baafsabdij, Gent (BE) – Previews
    04.08 –Theater Aan Zee, Oostende (BE) – Premiere
    05.08 > 07.08 – Theater Aan Zee, Oostende (BE)
    19.08 > 21.08 – CC Westrand, Dilbeek (BE)

    2022

    20.07 > 24.07 – Sint-Baafsabdij, Gent (BE)

  • 2023

    03.02 – CC Knokke Heist, Knokke Heist (BE)
    04.02 – CC De Herbakker, Eeklo (BE)
    10.05 – Theater Rotterdam (NL)
    12.05 – CC De Woeker, Oudenaarde (BE)
    25.05 – CC Brugge, Brugge (BE)

    2024

    24.04 – NTGent Schouwburg, Gent (BE)
    25.04 – NTGent Schouwburg, Gent (BE)
    03.05 – CC Lokeren, Lokeren (BE)
    14.05 – Theater Rotterdam (NL)
    17.05 – Musis & Stadstheater, Arnhem (NL)
    18.05 – De Brakke Grond, Amsterdam (NL)
    19.05 – De Brakke Grond, Amsterdam (NL)

  • KNACK (BE)

    Director Chokri Ben Chikha uses Camps's testament to do more than just criticise journalists who are too self-centred and focused on getting likes. He also criticises the performing arts sector itself.

    > Read Review (Dutch)

  • De Standaard (BE)

    In this fascinating biographical piece about Hugo Camps, we bid farewell to a generation.

    > Read Review (Dutch)

  • Etcetera (BE)

    Biographical theatre comes in all shapes and sizes. But rarely has it been as ingenious as Testament of a journalist, an apology by/for Hugo Camps: are we watching a vulnerable tribute, a vain self-portrait or a straightforward reckoning? We are watching the perfection of Chokri Ben Chikha's years-long search for the best blend of fiction and reality. (...) Theatre at its best.

    > Read Review (Dutch)

  • Knack Focus (BE)

    For years, theatre maker Chokri Ben Chikha has been fascinated by the journalistic monument Hugo Camps. That fascination will soon culminate in “Testament of a Journalist”, a performance about his life and work. “I have accepted the decadence of my time. I am not proud of it. But I am not ashamed of it either”. The powerful acting, beautiful music and tentacular text are more than enough to leave a lasting impression.

    > Read Article (Dutch)

  • De Morgen (BE)

    "Yes, I am putting an old white man in the spotlight, and no, not everyone will be happy about that. But it is necessary that we understand our history.” In the performance Testament of a journalist, theatre maker Chokri Ben Chikha explores the present and the past through the lens of journalistic icon Hugo Camps.

    > Read Interview (Dutch)

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© Oya Latifa

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  • Director Chokri Ben Chikha
    With Bert Luppes in de rol van Hugo Camps, Luiz Marquez, Manou Selhorst en Maxime Waladi/Armin Mola

    Text Hugo Camps, Erik-Ward Geerlings
    Dramaturgy Sietske de Vries
    Choreography Laura Neyskens

    Scenography Luc Goedertier
    Music Maxime Lenssens, Luiz Marquez
    Costumes Marij De Brabandere
    Video Messervideo
    Photography Kurt Van der Elst
    Technical Coordination Arthur De Vuyst

    Production Action Zoo Humain
    Coproduction     Perpodium
    In cooperation with NTGent

    Thanks to Historic Houses in Ghent, Danspunt, CC Westrand, Futurn (bedrijvenpark Westgate), Van Steenbrugge Advocaten, Stef Ampe, Sirine Jendoubi, Oya Latifa

    With the support of the Belgian Federal Government's Tax Shelter via Cronos Invest.

    This production was created on the basis of interviews conducted by director Chokri Ben Chikha and dramaturge Sietske de Vries with Hugo Camps and Walter Van Steenbrugge.
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