The draftsman of Breendonk

Verhaal De Klifhangers opens the gates of the Fort van Breendonk for a gripping theater performance about the life of Jacques Ochs. Or rather, the cartoonist of Breendonk. Relive life in the Fort van Breendonk during WWII. A unique location, a piece of Belgian heritage, an intimate story, and a lot of history. This is the recipe for the exclusive theater performance; De tekenaar van Breendonk. Come inside and discover life in the Fort van Breendonk. Expect a compelling story, funny twists, enchanting costumes, and music that lingers for a long time. Info Jacques Ochs (1883–1971) was a Belgian cartoonist, Olympic fencer, and Jewish Brusseleer. He gained fame primarily as a political cartoonist for the satirical weekly Pourquoi Pas, in which he denounced injustice, hypocrisy, and abuse of power with a sharp pen – qualities that almost cost him his life during the occupation. Ochs embodies the power of resistance through art and humor. His life and work show how creativity can be a weapon against oppression. Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog he was arrested by the Gestapo and locked up in the Fort van Breendonk, a place where many lost their lives. Ochs survived the fort and later left poignant testimonies about the horror he experienced there. We chose Jacques Ochs because he is more than a victim: he is a voice, a cartoonist, a human of flesh and blood who still resonates today. His story is both personal and universal and fits seamlessly with our ambition to stimulate empathy, memory, and critical thinking through this performance. Cast Bart Van Avermaet and Lennart Lemmens dive into the roles of, among others, Jacques Ochs. Bart became known to the general public for his role as Waldek in the popular daily fiction Thuis. But besides that, he played countless roles in Familie, Wittekerke, Heterdaad, Spoed… And he has been on stage many times before in, among others, Oost West Thuis Best, Mannen op hakken, Afrodisia,… Ook Lennart played in Thuis, where the two met. He became known for his role of Sam in Campus12. And also played roles in, among others, Milo, onderhuids, De Grote Sinterklaasfilm, and 100%Wolf. On the theater stage, he was already present at, among others, De Instagrannie, Moord op de Orient Express, and Fientje Beulemans.