A community hopes that they could avoid their mortality, by masking their humanity.
Passion and connection smashed that code to smithereens.
Two people, look for each other in an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability.
A "Ballroom" is being quickly transformed into a "Court".
All actors stay on the stage as witnesses and force the innocence (?) to justify itself.
timeline
Bal Masqué played for the first time in October 1994 in 'De Warande' in Turnhout. There were 10 performances in Flanders and the play ended in april 1995 in Leopoldsburg.
credits
Direction: Marc Bryssinck
Music: Brick De Bois
Decor and masks: Diane Van Hool
Photography: Yasmine Janssens
Cast:
Liesbeth Bertels
Luc De Jongh
Martine Derey
Ann Dockx
Agnes Fleerackers
Jan Geudens
Kris Hufkens
Luc Loots
Cathérine Springuel
Bert Van Elst
Rik Van Raak
Kristien Van Roy
Marc Wagemans
Frank Van Calster (didgeridoo)
press
Toon Horsten - De Morgen - November 1994 1994
'Bal Masqué' is a passionate plea for unfashionable concepts like safety, tenderness and honesty. In a society where everyone hides behind masks of distance and disinterest, two people openly show their love for each other. The two arrive in a Kafka-like play, with a judge wrestling with his wig, giggling clerks and officials who do not hide their disapproval. After the flood has literally washed away all the masks, the people recover their dignity and are forced by circumstances to turn to each other, a wonderful reconciliation occurs between the people. "Somewhere" is heard from the speakers while the towel is passed around and people dry each other the on and people dry themselves: "Somewhere, someday, we'll find a new way of living, we'll find a new way of forgiving".'Bal Masqué' is visually and scenographically and intrinsically a successful performance. The monotone and charming music played on the didgeridoo increases its force.