Veerle Baetens and Bo Spaenc, Here, I as empress - Molenstraat 103 box 5

Minnie Maes is the smallest, grayest wallflower. She leaves no traces — that is how minimal Minnie is. In a world that is becoming increasingly harsh and ugly — or as she says: harsh-ugly — Minnie retreats. At In Molenstraat 103 bus 5, she is Empress and wields the scepter. Here, she burns her mouse-like nature and her mood rules. And otherwise: off with their heads. But is she allowed to spit fire in a world that is already burning? Or does she then become what she loathes: a hunter, a chaser, a colonist? Does she become that man on an imperialist victory march, with only scorched earth in his wake? And who heals the wounds then? Veerle Baetens and Bo Spaenc search for a possible answer. Veerle embodies Minnie. She gives her a voice. Bo’s music weaves through her words and forms a second voice in Minnie’s universe. Here, I as Empress is a musical monologue about loneliness, power, and doubt. About how loud it can be in a head that feels too much. About the terrifying and liberating act of taking up space. And about what happens when the world is unexpectedly at your door again. Veerle Baetens is an actress, director, screenwriter, and singer. In 2012, she had her international breakthrough with her lead role in the film The Broken Circle Breakdown, for which she won multiple awards. Since then, she has focused mainly on film and television projects. She made her directorial debut with the film The Melting, based on the novel by Lize Spit. Now, she accepts Bo’s invitation to return to the stage with Here, I as Empress. From the very beginning, she helps shape the content and form of this show by addressing a theme that is close to her heart and offers opportunities to interweave words with physical acting and music. Bo Spaenc provides a response with both grotesque circus sounds and an honest sound of vocals, Indian organ, organic percussion, and toy piano. As artistic leader of Muziektheater De Kolonie – and later as a freelancer – Bo created music theater with strong storytellers like Lucas Van den Eynde, Peter De Graef, Tania Van der Sanden, Bart Hollanders, Warre Borgmans, Vic De Wachter, Stefaan Degand, and Bruno Vanden Broecke, contrasted with his ‘live’ music. These productions were invariably featured extensively in the Cultural Centers. In Met Hier, I as Empress, Bo and Veerle create music theater in which words, vocals, and instruments surprise each other and go their own contrary ways. Cast: Veerle Baetens Livemuziek: Bo Spaenc Script: based on an idea by Veerle Baetens and Kiana Porte, written by Veerle Baetens & Yoline Denys