The center of gravity in performing arts is shifting. Where provocation was at the center of the avant-garde, it now appears to make place for something else: Futurity, care, emancipation, education, collectivity? It always seems harder to find the right words for current turns than to narrate on the past. Is there still space for provocation? What words can we use to describe current developments? How do different generations of makers relate to provocation and/or invitation as a strategies and terms?
The guests of this Topic Talk are Samara Hersch, Amparo González Sola, Julian Hetzel and Ntando Cele. Samar Hersch's It's Going to Get Dark is performed at Het Huis on the 19th and 20th of May. The conspiracy of forms from Amparo González Sola is performed on the 20th and the 21st of May in De LiK. Julian Hetzel and Ntando Cele collaborated on SPAfrica, which is performed at Theater Kikker from the 21st to the 23rd of May.
Topic Talks are deepening conversations on SPRING themes: current issues that matter. What trends do we notice in the contemporary performing arts scene and how do they relate to the world around us? Besides 'Between Provocation and Invitation', this year's Topic Talks include the topics 'Performing Care' and 'Black Body – White Gaze'. Moderator Merel Heering will engage with artists from the festival and/or interesting guest speakers. The Talks are for the curious listener, the critical expert, the student and the professional. They are easy to combine with a visit to a performance, but can also be attended separately. They are free and open to everyone.
Topic Talks are a part of SPRING Academy.