Avondland is a theatre production that explores the boundary between installation and performance. It is a quest to create a symbiosis between different artistic media. The production is based on the Prose Edda.

The Edda, recorded by Snorri Sturluson, preserves some of the most iconic and poignant stories from Norse mythology. Many of these tales have their origins in ancient pagan traditions. Most of the mythological material appears in the first part of the work, Gylfaginning (“the deception of Gylfi”), which recounts both the creation and the end of the world. An epic theme that resonates strongly with our current times.

Are we ourselves living in an end time? Avondland does not seek a definitive answer, but rather offers a form of hope that can coexist with pessimism, even hand in hand with despair: a hope that arises from pure uncertainty about what the future will bring. A hope of hopeful pessimism.

The story of the Edda offers a mythical framework from which we can reflect with a fresh perspective. It raises questions about the world we live in today, without the ambition of offering a ready-made or definitive explanation.

Language: Dutch

Audience advisory: Blood, Physical violence, Intense light and sound effects, Claustrophobia.

Credits

• Director: Lander Merckx
• Supervision: Kristof van Baarle and Martine Clierieck
• Lighting and set design: Jasper Hardy, Jorun Cocquyt and Lander Merckx
• Choreography: Jenneke Slaets, Lander Merckx and Noor Flamey
• Performers: Jenneke Slaets, Lander Merckx, Max Keustermans and Noor Flamey
• Text: Max Keustermans and Lander Merckx
• Sound design: Thijl Merckx and Lander Merckx
• Live music: Renate Spelmans (bassoon), Erik Bassier (clarinet), Pia Spelmans (violin), Hilde Jonckheere (double bass), Joeri Van Hove and Jean-Pierre Vanhee (trumpet), Martin Lopez (percussion)
• Sponsorship: Ampli and MT rental
• With thanks to: Bardia Mohammad, Frederik Le Roy, Madonna Lenaert, Simon De Winne, Gert Van Hyfte and the KASK Drama students