Ostend – The Theater Aan Zee (TAZ) festival 2025 in Ostend attracted 100,000 visitors over its ten-day run, showcasing 600 performances across 50 venues. This year’s theme focused on the concept of time. Martha Balthazar and Leon Adriaensen received the Caroline Pauwels Grant for their project “Aha,” which awarded them €12,500 in support, reports 24brussels.
As VRT News reported, this 28th edition of the TAZ festival maintained visitor numbers consistent with previous years, emphasizing Ostend’s role as a vibrant cultural hub. Approximately 50,000 theater tickets were sold, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talent who performed throughout the city, transforming it into an expansive stage.
How did TAZ 2025 in Ostend celebrate time with 9 premieres?
The Caroline Pauwels Grant was awarded to Martha Balthazar and Leon Adriaensen for their project Aha (working title). Named after the late former rector of VUB, who curated TAZ in 2021, the award serves as recognition of innovative artistic contributions. The project explores the epiphany when ambiguity gives way to clarity, supported with €10,000 from deAuteurs and €2,500 from VUB, alongside additional backing from TAZ, KVS, and De Grote Post.
This year’s festival themed around time follows the previous year’s focus on generations. The motto, “Le Temps d’une chanson,” inspired by Serge Gainsbourg’s song La Javanaise, encapsulates fleeting moments of love and connection. Artistic director Cindy Godefroi intricately integrated this theme into various performances, culminating in an emotional evening featuring 101-year-old Alice Toen singing “De Tijd van Toen” (The Time of Then).
TAZ premiered nine new productions, all reflecting the festival’s temporal theme. Noteworthy was “Queen of the Flies”, a creative blend of drama and comedy involving seven drag queens, a ship captain, and a writer stranded on an island. In Macc(h)abees, Sophie Warant presented a gripping physical performance derived from seven years of research on mortality. The festival also featured local debuts of “There is no rhythm, there is no rain”, “Bulk”, “DEEPER”, and “A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here”.
What makes Theater Aan Zee a major summer arts festival?
Established in 1997, the Theater Aan Zee festival has become a prominent summer arts event in Belgium, held annually in Ostend. The festival not only spotlights theatre but also encompasses music, literature, and visual arts, revolving around a central theme that accommodates both celebrated artists and fresh talent.
Many productions debut at TAZ before embarking on national and international tours. Officials noted that the festival is recognized for its bold artistic expressions and for providing audiences an opportunity to witness innovative and original performances.
