Chokri Ben Chikha is an actor, dancer, choreographer, performer and theatre maker. Together with his brother Zouzou, he founded the theatre company Union Suspecte. What does he know about life?
Michaël Bellon
15/02/2025 - 08:00
Source: bruzz.be
What has your work taught you about life or about yourself?
That life is volatile, elusive, complex and ambiguous.
What inspires you?
Observing the people around me. Going to a pub with colleagues, such as my dramaturg Sietske de Vries. Sometimes I also seek out solitude and reflect on myself.
What piece of life wisdom did your parents pass on to you?
Life isn’t complicated. People are.
Which piece of wisdom is overrated?
"There’s no place like home."
Which quote do you like to quote?
From South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu: if an elephant puts its foot on a mouse’s tail, and you say you’re neutral, the mouse won’t appreciate your neutrality.
In what other field do you think you’d excel?
As a committed politician or a (war) correspondent.
What helps you bounce back when you’re feeling down?
Being mindful of what I have. Imagination. Travelling with my girlfriend, both literally and figuratively.
What misconception do people have about you?
That I have an answer for everything.
What prejudice do you sometimes find troublesome?
That people assume, based on my appearance, that I’m a dangerous drug addict. The upside is that they often leave me alone.
What was the best personal news of the past few weeks?
The Dutch premiere of ‘Persians: Triumph of Empathy’ in Amsterdam received a warm standing ovation and a five-star review. I am both proud of the team and saddened by the genocidal atrocities that are still taking place in Gaza.
Which life hack has improved your life?
Listening to the sounds of flowing rivers and crickets to keep my tinnitus under control.
Do you often look in the mirror? Why?
Literally: to face up to and accept the fact that I’m getting older. Figuratively: to keep asking myself questions.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
The launch of our new project with the Dream City festival in Tunis. The premiere of Persians during the Wiener Festwochen at the end of May. The new creators programme by Action Zoo Humain with Laura Neyskens and Izah Hankammer.
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever spoken to?
I was once invited to dinner with director Spike Lee, but I was so overwhelmed that I turned it down. I still regret that. I did have a chat with singer Youssou N’Dour, though, about the Senegalese Zoo Humain in Ghent.
Which historical event would you have liked to have witnessed?
The Arab Spring and the Prague Spring, Paris ’68 and Woodstock – especially Richie Havens’ performance, when he sang ‘Freedom’ and started improvising because the next artist didn’t turn up.
Which historical event would you have liked to have intervened in?
In all the massacres, regardless of the victims’ origins: from Sabra and Shatila in Beirut to Wounded Knee in America.
Which cliché about Brussels annoys you the most?
That it’s unsafe and dirty. That’s true in some parts, and it’s annoying and unfair. But Brussels is also, and above all, the most inspiring, vibrant and dynamic city in Belgium.
