GAZE © Kurt van der Elst - Laura Neyskens - Action Zoo Humain

GAZE (INTER:ACTION)

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.

GAZE

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 dance theater performance GAZE, choreographer Laura Neyskens, together with dramaturg Raphaël Vandeweyer, goes in search of what power our body holds. In an expressive, anarchic and poetic way, they examine how dominant stories shape our bodies and what impact that has in a world in which, above all, we want to be seen.

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, Isil Biçakçi, Zoë Chungong

Music Koben Sprengers
Scenography Giovanni Vanhoenacker
Costume Alexandra Hoàng Gilbert
Technique Bennert Vancottem
Coaching Hildegard de Vuyst, Chokri Ben Chikha

Production Action Zoo Humain
Co-production La Geste, Maghenta
Partners Stuk, De Grote Post