Some stories are too dangerous to repeat.

1830. An opera performance sets Brussels ablaze. The spellbinding sounds of The Mute of Portici spark a revolt against the Dutch occupiers. The Belgian Revolution is a fact.

Almost two centuries later – in a political climate almost as explosive – three fishermen from Portici reclaim their place on the stage. As the opera dictates, they mutiny once more against the occupier. Yet the chains of Romanticism weigh heavily: can the fishermen escape the compelling rhythm of the music? And can the battle against our collective amnesia be won?

Do You Remember Revolution? traces a Belgian history of revolutionary and counter-revolutionary violence. Setting out from the mythical opera, it wanders through the bleak 1980s and the armed resistance of the far left, to arrive at a climate that criminalises activism and anti-fascism. DYRR? questions the legitimacy of armed struggle. Where does the line between resistance and terror lie? Has revolution outlived its political significance? And if so, how do we wish to remember it?

Credits

• concept, direction and text: Rinus Martha Chaerles; cast: Leila Benchorf, Maryam Sserwamukoko and Emma Verstraete
• composition and sound design: Robbe Embrechts; dramaturgy: Jonas Istace
• mentoring: Timeau De Keyser and Séba Hendrickx
• costume design: Trui Van Landuyt
• lighting design: Tijmen Van Damme
• with endless thanks to: Bardia Mohammad, Frederik Le Roy, Simon De Winne and Madonna Lenaert, Daniel Auber and Augustin Scribe, Jana Heirwegh, Thibault Van Dun, Anaïs Maes, Milan Mitera, Dorelia Schraven and my class, and the support of: CAMPO, KASK Drama, laGeste, deAuteurs, PARTS, NTGent, International Opera Academy and HOGENT.

This performance features loud music and bright lights. It deals with bomb attacks and organised violence. Spoken in Dutch. Sung in French. Subtitled in Dutch.