Arthur

To commemorate the beginning of the first modern war, now 100 years ago, director Paul Koek and writer Peter Verhelst show us the battlefield after it is all over. When the only sound is the drone of a fly, and the first plants are cautiously beginning to show their faces again. In the eerily changed, flat landscape that has suddenly been provided with hills that were not previously there, and ponds full of water that used to be concealed underground, two women are walking, accompanied by a child. One of them is searching for her husband, who has come from faraway Africa to fight in an incomprehensible war. The other is searching for her country as she used to know it, but which is no longer to be found. In the meantime, the young Arthur behaves like any other boy: he fantasises about heroism and courage and longs for the triumph of victory, until he knows better. Enhanced by the beautiful music of Henry Purcell, the indescribable suffering that overcame the world 100 years ago is expressed in song.

Production: Muziektheater Transparant & Veenfabriek

Coproduction: De Munt/ La Monnaie, Festival van Vlaanderen – Brussel/ Klarafestival, Flagey, Operadagen Rotterdam & Baroque orchestra B’Rock