International professionals discover theatre from Flanders

Ten dramaturgs, publishers, programme curators and festival organisers from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany and Estonia gathered in Antwerp and Leuven last June for the very first Flanders Literature Theatre Fellowship. Throughout the week, participants met playwrights, theatre makers and organisations with a view to future translations, collaborations, productions and festival presentations abroad.

The fellowship kicked off in Antwerp with an introduction by expert Peter Anthonissen. He outlined the Flemish theatre landscape at hetpaleis, the largest performing arts venue for young audiences in Flanders. This was followed by a discussion about theatre texts for young people with Aminata Demba, Nico Boon and Angelo Tijssens. Their work offers a diverse range: from poetic and musical narratives to experimental theatre and socially engaged stories.

On the second day, the participants met with representatives from Theater Zuidpool and Toneelhuis. They were introduced to Collectief WANG, Louis Janssens, Willem de Wolf, Maaike Neuville and Paul Verrept, among others. During pitches and discussions, the guests gained an insight into a variety of writing styles, themes and production contexts. In the afternoon, the group travelled to Leuven for the international festival Shakespeare is Dead, which showcases contemporary Dutch-language playwrights in an international context.

Over the following days, the programme featured sessions in which actors read excerpts from the plays. Established names and emerging voices were featured. The guests were introduced to the work of Carl von Winckelmann, Freek Mariën, Annelies Verbeke, Bart Van Nuffelen, Ruth Bruyneel and Ahilan Ratnamohan, as well as a number of Dutch playwrights. The selected texts explored a wide range of themes, including identity, migration, ownership, trauma, language, community and ecology.

The programme left a strong impression on the participants. Anna Berg of Göteborgs Stadsteater commented: “Thank you for this highly informative, inspiring and generous insight into the theatre landscape in Flanders. The readings, the playwright presentations and the performances I attended — as well as those I was introduced to — gave me valuable knowledge and new connections. I hope this fellowship, and my connection with Flanders Literature, is just the first step in an ongoing and productive collaboration.”

In addition, a number of discussions formed an important part of the programme. Round table discussions such as ‘Future Narratives’ and ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’ reflected on the role of theatre in a world facing social and political challenges. Flemish and international artists engaged in dialogue on the future of storytelling, the power of imagination and the social significance of the performing arts. Tom Lanoye, Stijn Devillé, Anna Carlier and Femke Van der Steen took part in these discussions.

The Flanders Literature theatre team can look back on a successful week, not only because of the extensive programme but also thanks to the wonderful encounters with the participants, several of whom have already expressed their intention to explore Flemish theatre in greater depth over the coming months.