Kunstenfestivaldesarts to explore flexibility and imagination

The 31st edition of Kunstenfestivaldesarts focuses on "malleability", the organisers say. The festival centre will be Théâtre Les Tanneurs in Brussels.
Kunstenfestivaldesarts, which runs from 8-30 May, offers a diverse international programme spanning theatre, dance, performance and visual arts. In total, 29 projects are scheduled, including 15 world premieres. Artists from 23 countries will take part, from established names to emerging talent.
The theme of "malleability" is described as an "artistic and social compass". In a world perceived as increasingly harsh, the organisers aim to "open up new perspectives by harnessing flexibility and imagination as a source of strength".
The programme includes work by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Romeo Castellucci and Scott Gibbons, as well as Germaine Kruip and Angélica Liddell. International figures such as Marlene Monteiro Freitas and Janaina Leite are also featured.
Local talent is given a prominent place. Belgian artists including Emmanuel Van der Auwera, Jozef Wouters, Laura Huertas Millán and Salim Djaferi are highlighted. The festival will also welcome several first-time participants, including Davi Pontes, Wallace Ferreira and Ewa Dziarnowska.
Performances will take place at 24 venues across Brussels. Alongside established theatres, the festival will also use unconventional locations such as a swimming pool, a car park and an abandoned factory. Théâtre Les Tanneurs will be the central hub, hosting performances as well as late-night talks, artistic karaoke and a free nightlife programme.
The full programme is available on the Kunstenfestivaldesarts website.
A theatre production from Kunstenfestivaldesarts 2025 © PHOTO CAROLINE LESSIRE
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