Artistic research

Action Zoo Humain creates performances based on artistic research and always starts from reflections on intercultural issues. Since 2010, the company's performances have run parallel to the doctoral research of artistic director Chokri Ben Chikha at KASK/School of Arts/HoGent and revolve around the research question What is the critical value for the use of stereotypes as theatre signs?

"Action Zoo Humain's presentations are based on ideas based on content/scientific grounds and a pertinent question. In this way they form a nice addition to the current theatre landscape. - Artistic advice Assessment committee Theatre 2015-2016

After experiments on reality in theatre, Action Zoo Humain today raises a new question: how can theatre, as a fictional given, respond to social reality? This approach is a jewel in Chokri's postdoctorate at KASK/School of Arts/HoGent, in which he explores the activating potential of theatre in reality.

Various scientific disciplines (history, anthropology, theatre sciences, moral sciences, political sciences, sociology) inspire Action Zoo Humain, in collaboration with UGent, UAntwerp and KU Leuven, in his artistic research into a unique position in the arts field. The incorporation of the scientific within the artistic projects of the company is a well-considered choice that Action Zoo Humain consciously maintains.

© Kurt Van der Elst