VOID
DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Wim Vandekeybus
CREATED WITH AND PERFORMED BY
Iona Kewney, Lotta Sandborgh, Cola Ho Lok Yee, Paola Taddeo, Adrian Thömmes, Hakim Abdou Mlanao
ARTISTIC ASSISTANT AND DRAMATURGY
Margherita Scalise
MOVEMENT ASSISTANT
Maria Kolegova
ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN
Arthur Brouns
STAGE DESIGN
Wim Vandekeybus
LIGHT DESIGN
Wim Vandekeybus, Benjamin Verbrugge
TECHNICIANS
Schröder, Pepijn Mesure, Benjamin Verbrugge
PRODUCTION
Heleen Schepens, Kenneth Raemaekers
DISTRIBUTION
Julia Bouhjar
CO-PRODUCTION
KVS Brussels’ Flemish city theatre, Danseu Festival, Theater im Pumpenhaus, Emilia Romagna Teatro ERT / Teatro Nazionale
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Thi-Mai Nguyen, Jerry Killick, European Theatre and Film Institute.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF
Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government, Ufund.
Ultima Vez is supported by the Flemish Community & the Flemish Community Commission of the Brussels Capital Region
In Void, Vandekeybus presents a world where outcast characters – those who live in their own “bubble” or “void” and deviate from societal norms – take center stage. Through minimalist set design, contemporary choreography, and the interplay between sound and silence, Void invites the audience to engage with deeper, thought-provoking questions about individuality and difference.
Void highlights how the stage is a space where the usual labels of normal or abnormal dissolve, even overturning societal norms. Vandekeybus reinforces the stage not as a place for realistic portrayals of life, but as a space to explore extreme, and often challenging, individual experiences. “I’m not interested in portraying realistic representations of ordinary social life,” he explains. “Rather, I want to delve into more outspoken individual experiences. It’s about people who don’t follow the expected path; who deviate in fascinating ways.” Despite their differences, the characters coexist harmoniously, offering an optimistic perspective on individuality, where even in moments of conflict, respect and collaboration prevail over aggression.
"Each character in Void sees the world from their unique perspective, and through this, we explore broader societal themes. It's about delving into the intricate inner worlds of these characters, empathizing with their solitude, and understanding their struggles. Society often conditions us to follow a thin line of normality, labeling anything outside of it as abnormal. However, the unconsciousness, the unpredictable aspects of our work, are vital. This creation celebrates those outcast characters and the rare admission of others into their inner worlds." – Wim Vandekeybus
The characters in Void are drawn from personal experiences or family histories, adding a distinctive layer of authenticity. Vandekeybus explains, “One performer channels the story of his grandmother, who lived through similar struggles. Another taps into the memories of her brother, while yet another performer reflects on a childhood shaped by solitude – just her, a television, and a handful of cats for company.” Although inspired by real life, these characters are liberated from the constraints of realism. The creative process allowed the cast to explore their pasts while reimagining these stories within the abstract world of Void.
Void is not a reflection of reality, but an invitation for the audience to engage with their own imagination. “People must explore what these characters could be,” Vandekeybus says. He believes that everyone has an element of the “abnormal” within themselves and that these characters embody this universal aspect. “Each older character has been a teenager, and every obsessive person has experienced rebellion. It’s fascinating to uncover these narratives.”
The collaboration with young Belgian composer Arthur Brouns adds depth to the piece, with the music setting a unique tone that emphasizes both connection and loneliness. “I provide an initial playlist and general ideas, and Arthur transforms them into something extraordinary,” Vandekeybus explains. In addition to his original compositions, the score will incorporate tracks by Lander Gyselinck and elements of New York Jazz, blending genres into a cohesive soundscape.
Lastly, the title Void encapsulates the concept of possibility. Vandekeybus describes it as a space filled with potential rather than emptiness. “When there is emptiness, there are countless possibilities. We often think of empty space as devoid of meaning, but that’s not true. For me, the void is a lack of normality, and within that emptiness lies enormous potential.” This idea is central to the performance, where the space itself is manipulated, raised, and hidden, like a child chasing abstract ideas, leaving the audience to imagine the possibilities within that void.
Premiering 23/10/2024 at KVS!
Tickets and info: https://www.kvs.be/nl/agenda/1...
DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Wim Vandekeybus
CREATED WITH AND PERFORMED BY
Iona Kewney, Lotta Sandborgh, Cola Ho Lok Yee, Paola Taddeo, Adrian Thömmes, Hakim Abdou Mlanao
ARTISTIC ASSISTANT AND DRAMATURGY
Margherita Scalise
MOVEMENT ASSISTANT
Maria Kolegova
ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN
Arthur Brouns
STAGE DESIGN
Wim Vandekeybus
LIGHT DESIGN
Wim Vandekeybus, Benjamin Verbrugge
TECHNICIANS
Schröder, Pepijn Mesure, Benjamin Verbrugge
PRODUCTION
Heleen Schepens, Kenneth Raemaekers
DISTRIBUTION
Julia Bouhjar
CO-PRODUCTION
KVS Brussels’ Flemish city theatre, Danseu Festival, Theater im Pumpenhaus, Emilia Romagna Teatro ERT / Teatro Nazionale
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Thi-Mai Nguyen, Jerry Killick, European Theatre and Film Institute.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF
Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government, Ufund.
Ultima Vez is supported by the Flemish Community & the Flemish Community Commission of the Brussels Capital Region