28th Edition of Theater aan Zee Festival Opens in Ostend
The 28th edition of Theater aan Zee (TAZ) commenced in Ostend on Wednesday, featuring a diverse lineup of events across multiple venues for ten days. The festival includes around 600 performances in 38 locations throughout the coastal city, reports 24brussels.
The opening night at the Casino Foyer of the Kursaal showcased notable performances including a concert by 101-year-old actress Alice Toen. During “The Century of Then,” she presented a mix of her original songs and well-known covers, including work by Jacques Brel, with accompaniment from musicians such as Bjorn Eriksson.
In addition, the night saw the premiere of the TAZ soundtrack, composed and performed by Farnoosh. Philosopher Jean Paul Van Bendegem delivered a lecture focusing on the theme of time, which is central to this year’s festival.
Artistic director Cindy Godefroi and co-programmer Dominique Collet have curated an extensive program emphasizing this theme, featuring various premieres. Highlighting these is “Queen of the Flies,” a loose adaptation of William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” produced by the Ghent-based collective Camping Sunset.
A collective dance performance by Jotka Bauwens, accompanied by music from Farnoosh Khodadadeh, will be performed daily throughout the festival, debuting on the opening night. Attendees can learn the dance each day at the Kursaal. Last year, Bauwens performed a duet with her mother to Arno’s “Les Yeux de ma mère.”
According to festival organizers, ticket sales are strong, with over 80% sold out and approximately 10,000 tickets still available for those interested in attending.
Event Highlights:
- Performances by iconic artists and local talent
- Daily dance workshops open to the public
- Philosophical discussions on the central theme of time
TAZ’s extensive programming is expected to attract diverse audiences, providing a rich cultural experience in Ostend.
