Wild Narcissus - Bavo Buys

What do you do when your youth and beauty slowly fade and the admiration stays away? Bavo Buys takes you into the universe of Narcissus, their alter ego that enters the battle with time. Narcissus wants to be seen. And where better than in the theater, a stage on which one is watched and adored. Narcissus makes an attempt to immortalize the youngest version of himself and fights (in vain) against time that creeps forward. Because during the applause, a void arises that becomes deeper with every clap. How far will Narcissus go to make himself invulnerable, to become loved? In ‘Wild Narcissus’ Bavo Buys introduces their new alter ego Narcissus. The performance mixes plot, documentary, personal confessions, and social media in a critical and manipulative solo that simultaneously denounces and celebrates our narcissistic society. ‘Wild Narcissus’ shows the ephemeral and devastating power of youth, beauty, and self-preservation. Inspired by, among others, the myth of Narcissus, the novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, and alter egos within current pop culture such as Sasha Fierce and Ziggy Stardust, Bavo investigates the badness of man for the first time in his own theater performance. Successfully, because in September 2025, 'Wild Narcissus' becomes the laureate of the Sabam prize during the TheaterFestival. Theater maker and actor Bavo Buys (they/them) graduates in June 2024 from KASK (Ghent) and is immediately awarded Playright+, a prize for final-year students who distinguish themselves particularly. Already during their internship in Luanda Casella’s ‘Elektra Unbound’, Bavo stands out for their exceptional métier and presence. In that same period, they can be seen in the feminist comedy ‘Up Your Ass’ (Nona Demey Gallagher & Lieselot Siddiki) and are nominated for the Acteursgilde Theaterprijs in the category -35 years. Their graduation performance ‘Planet Winter’ is based on the science fiction classic ‘The left hand of darkness’ (1969). Bavo plays while making and makes while playing. Their work is a web of references to both new media and classical texts and thus creates an immersive universe with sharp language, aligned physicality, and dynamic acting. The common thread in their practice is the idea of the limitlessly genderless performer. Schouwburg Kortrijk is a proud UiTPAS partner. Save UiTPAS points during the performance. Are you entitled to a ticket at an increased allowance? Keep your UiTPAS at hand and book your ticket online or by phone at 056 23 98 55. You can also visit our ticket counter. Be sure to bring your UiTPAS with you.