FantHasten and Nieuw Genker Toneel Bring Gangsters to Abandoned Buildings with 'Blaffers'

In a creative fusion of performance art and urban exploration, the theater groups FantHasten and Nieuw Genker Toneel are bringing a unique theatrical experience to life with their production of 'Blaffers.' This play, centered around a group of gangsters planning a final, ambitious heist, is not being staged in a traditional theater but rather within the evocative spaces of abandoned buildings. Specifically, performances are taking place in a former Volkswagen garage in Genk and a disused printing house in Hasselt, lending an authentic and gritty atmosphere to the narrative.

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We thought about staging the play in a similar location.

Director and author Sigi Roosen explained that the choice of location was deliberate, aiming to immerse the audience directly into the world of the gangsters. The old industrial settings, with their inherent character and history, serve as more than just a backdrop; they are integral to the storytelling. Elements like old car lifts in the garage become part of the set design, enhancing the immersive quality of the play. This approach draws inspiration from classic gangster films, with Roosen noting nods to cinematic masterpieces like 'The Godfather' and Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs,' although a direct adaptation of Tarantino's work was not possible due to rights issues.

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The Volkswagen garage is owned by one of the board members of Nieuw Genker Toneel. The building will disappear soon, and the nice thing is that we are now giving the building a final tribute with this performance.

The project has clearly struck a chord with the public, as all performances are completely sold out, even necessitating the addition of extra seating. This overwhelming response highlights a growing audience appetite for innovative and site-specific theater. FantHasten, known for its penchant for staging performances in unique locations, sees this success as validation for their unconventional approach. Roosen even extended an open invitation for suggestions of other suitable vacant properties, indicating a continued commitment to exploring unusual venues for future productions.

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Honestly, we wanted to play the piece 'Reservoir Dogs' by Quentin Tarantino. But unfortunately, that is impossible.

This initiative by FantHasten and Nieuw Genker Toneel represents a vibrant example of how the arts can breathe new life into forgotten spaces. By transforming derelict buildings into temporary stages, they not only offer a compelling artistic experience but also draw attention to the potential of urban regeneration. The success of 'Blaffers' in Belgium demonstrates a local appreciation for bold, site-specific theater that challenges conventional norms and engages audiences in novel ways, proving that the most compelling stages can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

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Therefore, we thought about paying homage to all gangster films in history. There are nods to 'The Godfather' and also 'Reservoir Dogs' among others.