GAZE (INTER:ACTION)
How do stories shape us and the roles we play? Should we resist stereotypes, no matter how seductive the game of seeing and being seen may be? What if the moth cannot resist the allure of the flame?
In GAZE, three women are exhibited in a gigantic terrarium. Trapped in a world where watching and being watched is the standard, they examine what role their bodies can (still) play, will and may play in their quest for recognition. GAZE is an ode to original sin and an attack on the hypocrisy of virtue.
In the visual dance-theatre performance, choreographer Laura Neyskens delivers a bold tribute to original sin and launches an attack on the hypocrisy of virtue. Together with dramaturg Raphaël Vandeweyer, she explores the power of our bodies. In a visually striking, anarchistic, and poetic way, they research how dominant stories shape us and determine our bodies and what impact this has in a world where, above all, we want to be seen and loved.
GAZE was created as part of Inter:Action*, the new artist development program of Action Zoo Humain.
*Under the term INTER:ACTION, Action Zoo Humain is focused on the artistic development and coaching of new performers/creators. These performers have graduated for several years and/or have gained experience in the theater field. Action Zoo Humain gives the performers the opportunity to embark on an artistic development trajectory. After this initial trajectory, they are guided in developing and creating their own production.
Laura Neyskens
As an 11-year-old, Laura Neyskens first appeared on stage professionally in Bernadetje (1996), a theatre production by Arne Sierens and Alain Platel with which she toured all over Europe. She discovers that dance and travel is her greatest passion and continues her path with Platel's contemporary dance company Les Ballets C de la B (1998). There she meets Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, resulting in a collaboration that lasts for years. Besides her career as a dancer in several of his productions (2000-2019), she also takes on greater responsibilities as a rehearsal director and choreographer. Throughout her career, Laura develops a great love for Indian dance. She co-founded the platform Maghenta (2017), through which she makes Indian dance accessible to a wide audience. Laura regularly worked with theatre director Chokri Ben Chikha (2017-2023) where she took on the role of directorial assistant and choreographer. She is currently working under the wings of Inter:Action, by Action Zoo Humain.
Raphaël Vandeweyer
Raphaël Vandeweyer obtained his master's degree in dramaturgy from Utrecht University and his bachelor's degree in Arts & Culture from Maastricht University. After working for several cultural organisations in Brussels, Raphaël worked for a long time as a dramaturg at Action Zoo Humain and freelances as a dramaturg and writer for several independant artists. He currently works as a freelance dramaturg, communication consultant and writer for several artists. In this context, he worked with Muziektheater Transparant, Damaged Goods, artist collective Het Verbond (NL) and youth theatres Tint and fABULEUS and with artists such as Chokri Ben Chikha, Maxime Waladi, Renée Goethijn, Jelle Stiphout, Jan Sobrie and Wouter Deltour.
Credits
Concept & direction Laura Neyskens, Raphaël Vandeweyer
Choreography Laura Neyskens
Dramaturgy Raphaël Vandeweyer
By and with Audrey Apers, Izah Hankammer, Zoë Chungong
Music Koben Sprengers
Scenography Giovani Vanhoenacker
Decor GramCNC
Light design & technical coordination Luc Schaltin
Coaching Hildegard de Vuyst, Chokri Ben Chikha
Production Inter:Action (Action Zoo Humain) & laGeste
In collaboration with Maghenta, NEXT Festival, CC De Steiger Menen
Residence STUK, De Grote Post
With the support of The Belgian Tax Shelter, the Flemish Government and the city of Ghent