VEERLE BAETENS & BO SPAENC - HERE, I AS EMPRESS

On stage are a woman and a man. An actress and a musician. Music, body, and words tell the story of one character who is so colorful that there seem to be several people on stage. Veerle Baetens and Bo Spaenc throw themselves into an interaction that floats and sweats and sometimes collapses under its own intensity. The main character has withdrawn into an isolated bubble. Outside it was too fast and too loud and too demanding. Inside there is the routine of Google, YouTube, and ChatGPT to fill the void. In her own house, she is the empress: unapproachable and free... until her door opens a crack. Does she still dare to confront the real world? HIER, IK ALS KEIZERIN (HERE, I AS EMPRESS) is inspired by the hikikomori phenomenon, where people no longer leave their rooms. It explores the loneliness economy that offers simple digital alternatives to complex human relationships. Veerle Baetens brings her passion for physical play and singing together with the grotesque circus sounds and honest sound of Bo Spaenc. Together they make music theater in which word and instruments constantly surprise each other.