Gardenia

“An endlessly extravagant work that inspires, shocks and delights” – The Stage, UK

Gardenia goes deep into the turbulent lives of nine striking people. Seven older individuals who seemingly effortlessly navigate the twilight zone between being male and being female. In contrast and harmony with a “young guy” and a “real woman”. Each on a quest. Each with their own intriguing story. Sometimes funny, sometimes overwhelming. Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious. Each with a trunk full of longing. Often lost or out of reach. Sometimes endearing. Mostly unusual. In their minds the sounds of the past. In their eyes doubts about tomorrow, but also a healthy dose of hope.

Alain Platel is trained as a remedial educationalist and is an autodidact director. In 1984 he set up a small group with a number of friends and relatives to work collectively. Emma (1988) signalled his concentration on directing. He was responsible for Bonjour Madame (1993), La Tristeza Complice (1995) and Iets op Bach (1998), with which les ballets C de la B (as the group was now called) rocketed to the international top. Vsprs (2006) proved to be a turning point in his career. So far his work had been exuberant in both the diversity of performers and the themes, but then it became more profound and intense and revealed a world of passion and desire.

Frank Van Laecke has built up an extensive and international career as a writer and director. Apart from writing successful series for the TV station VRT, Van Laecke has made a name for himself mainly as a director of theatre, opera and musicals and large-scale stage spectaculars. In 2006 he directed Vanessa Van Durme’s monologue Look mummy, I’m dancing. Van Laecke has received many Belgian and international awards.