Chokri Ben Chikha / Action Zoo Humain
Are today's migration pacts a continuation of colonial deals? In July 2023, the European Union concluded a much-discussed migration deal with Tunisia. An agreement that would be a win-win for both parties. But who really wins? Is Europe financing the suffering and death of thousands of people fleeing their homes through this deal? Why are critical voices in Tunisia being silenced? Or is the deal actually a courageous response to major social challenges in Europe?
Everyone has an opinion on migration. So do you.
In his latest production, ‘Dignity’, director Chokri Ben Chikha establishes a Tunisian truth commission in exile. Artists, scientists and citizens claim their truth about migration and human rights. President Trump also has an opinion on the matter. He describes current European migration policy as an existential threat that will lead to the “erasure of European civilisation”.
Inspired by the South African Truth Commission, the stage becomes a place where witnesses and commission members share their stories, doubts and truths through word, visuals and vocals. Mpho Tutu van Furth, daughter of the legendary Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairs the truth commission.
Whose dignity is at stake when migration deals are made? And who faces the humiliation?
‘Dignity’ is part of the acclaimed Truth Commission series: The Truth Commission (2018), The Truth Commission Netherlands (2024)
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Le Village Tunisien / Dignité (artistic research project 2025)
In 2024–2025, Chokri Ben Chikha / Action Zoo Humain, in collaboration with L'Art Rue, carried out an artistic research project looking at the impact of the migration deal on Tunisian society. The results were presented during the Dream City festival on 17, 18 and 19 October 2025 in Tunis.
Concept, director Chokri Ben Chikha – Cast Ali Ben Said, Ali Yahyaoui, Chantal Loïal, Hajer Zaidi, Mohamed Slim Dhib, Moussa Ndiaye, Nadia Tlich, Nedia Bel Hadj Bettaieb, Yasmine Akrimi, Wael Garnaoui, Leila Temime Belili, Oumaima Ben Ammar, Chorale Sidi Sami – Text Marwa Manaï – Dramaturgy Sietske de Vries & Zouzou Ben Chikha – Assistant director Marwa Ferjani – Video Raâfet Abdelli – Photo Kurt van der Elst – Production manager Cyrine Ghrissi – Lead production Aisha Zaied
Production Action Zoo Humain & L’art Rue/Dream City 2025 – Co-production Theater Rotterdam – In collaboration with de Heinrich Böll Foundation - With support of the Fisher Center at Bard, the Flemish Government, the City of Ghent
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Focus WTV (Belgium)
31.07.2026““Dignity” – the moving theatrical piece by Chokri Ben Chikha [and Action Zoo Humain] (…) The Ostend-based theatre maker does not shy away from uncomfortable views, yet avoids resorting to clichés about the migrant crisis. Ultimately, only one thing remains: human dignity. And Chokri captures this perfectly in a confrontation that is at times acrimonious.”Watch reportage -
De Standaard ★★★★ (Belgium)
30.07.2026“(…) in this war of words, you are given a particularly interesting array of diverse opinions over the course of a good two hours: on the phenomenon of the ‘zoos humains’, on how Tunisia handles European funds, and on the recent waves of migration from the Belgian coast to the United Kingdom.”Read more -
PZAZZ | Pieter T’Jonck (Belgium)
29.07.2026“Dignity is a valuable performance (…) because it makes a heroic attempt to give a voice to all sides of the debate on migration and (neo-)colonialism (…) An incredibly difficult exercise, in which, as a member of the audience, you are constantly forced to take a stance whenever one side presents its arguments.”Read more -
Johan Thielemans* (Belgium)
12.08.2026“Ben Chikha [and Action Zoo Humain] once again demonstrate just how compelling political theatre can be when it lays bare the contradictions of the modern world.”Read more
*Author, Flemish theatre critic -
Peter Sellars* (United States)
"This theatrical tour de force, brimming with virtuosity, insight and wisdom, yet also with confusion and a stubborn refusal to take responsibility, sweeps us along: we spin round in circles, grasp at straws and try to make up for missed opportunities, whilst feeling horrified, hopeful, humiliated and filled with revulsion, breathless and deeply moved."
*Renowned American theatre and opera director and professor at UCLA, United States
Avant-premiere (Marseille, FR)
Credits
- By and with (varies by location)
- Toon Acke, Yasmine Akrimi, Nedia Belhaj, Oumaima Ben Amar, Chokri Ben Chikha, Zouzou Ben Chikha, Max Colonne, Hadi Boudechiche, Samia Chabani, Jules Dupont, Mareille Labohm, Chantal Loïal, Moussa Ndiaye, Leila Temime Blili, Nadia Tlich, Mpo Tutu van Furth, Frank Verdru, Hajer Zaidi
- Concept, director
- Chokri Ben Chikha
- Dramaturgy
- Zouzou Ben Chikha, Sietske De Vries, Jozefien Muylle
- Text
- Chokri Ben Chikha, Marwa Manaï
- Translation
- Isabelle Grynberg-Waksman, Eleanor McMullan
- Production manager
- Katha Ciax
- Technical manager
- Anne Meeussen
- Video & montage
- Raâfet Abdelli, Ismaël Ben Chikha
- Live video & direction
- Wout Clarysse, Wim Piqueur
- Production
- Action Zoo Humain
- Coproduction
- L'Art Rue, Theater Rotterdam and Perpodium, with the support of the Belgian Federal Government's tax shelter via Cronos Invest
- With the support of
- Culture Ghent, the City of Ghent, the Flemish Government
- Special thanks to
- Karel Arnout, Sruti Bala, Pascal Debruyne, Steven Engels, Evelien Jonckheere, Parveen Kanhai, Julie Rateau, Fanny Robles, Klaas Tindemans, Walter Van Steenbrugge, Bieke Vens, Vercryussen Uitvaartzorg, Maarten Couttenier