Ostend becomes a poetic player in powerful site-specific theater at Theater aan Zee

The city of Ostend is more than just a backdrop in the performance 'Left'; it actively participates in the narrative. This year's Theater aan Zee festival once again demonstrates its strength in site-specific theater, often performed outdoors.

'Left,' by Eva De Baets and Silke De Bruyne, begins at a primary school playground and follows the protagonist, Enes, through his home and into the city. This journey takes the audience to lesser-known locations that perfectly suit the story's poignant and moving themes. Performed with individual headphones for each audience member, the individual dialogues and music create an immersive experience, drawing viewers deeply into Enes's story of parental neglect amidst a difficult divorce.

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I think that's the strength of Theater aan Zee. The combination of the timing, the summer, the sea, the city of Ostend. It's a bit of a bubble and you always have a sea breeze in your neck.

Artistic director Cindy Godefroi describes the festival's magic as a "bubble" created by the timing, summer, the sea, and Ostend itself, noting the constant "sea breeze at your back." She expresses a desire for festival locations to become even more like "co-storytellers, co-players" in the future, a goal that 'Left' has successfully achieved. Another notable performance, 'I Am a Tree' by Jozefien Mombaerts, offers a personal monologue on motherhood, masculinity, and the patriarchy, finding a powerful setting at the Kunstencampus aan Zee.

The festival also features emerging talent in its Young Work section, with the graduation project 'The Area' by Hanna Peeters and Xander Kindt. A day at Theater aan Zee, especially during the warm summer, is described as a gift, offering a unique blend of art and atmosphere.

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It would be nice if locations in the future become even more of a kind of co-storyteller, co-player and not just a beautiful backdrop.