EXTRACTIONS 25

An important starting point for EXTRACTIONS 25 is a war shield from Papua New Guinea, which features an image of the comic book hero The Phantom. That a cartoon character from an American comic from the 1930s ends up on a traditional shield is extraordinary in itself. Perhaps The Phantom became known and loved in Papua New Guinea through American soldiers stationed there during WWII. The Phantom Shield is an example of how Western pop culture is re-appropriated and brings old customs back to the now. The power of figures such as The Phantom and the culture to which they belong is ritually appropriated, as was done with vanquished enemies and prey in various cultural practices. EXTRACTIONS 25 further explores this clash between more recent pop culture and ancient ritual traditions.

With works by Gilbert & George, Philémon Siesling, Frans Masereel, Marc Claes, Winju, Kris Verdonck and performances by Marc Iglesias Figueras, ICTUS ensemble en Spa For Spirits

PROGRAMME

4 > 7 September 2025
Performance  - WALL TO WALL
première – Marc Iglesias Figueras & A Two Dogs Company

WALL TO WALL brings together two projects: the short film DEMO by Belgian visual artist and theater maker Kris Verdonck and NOT TOMORROW, a new dance performance by Brussels-based Catalan dancer and choreographer Marc Iglesias Figueras 
WALL TO WALL zooms in on shadow lives, the backside of the changing city in the 21st century.

12 > 14 september 2025
Performance - Spa for Spirits

Since 2021, performers Leonie Buysse and Lili Vanderstraeten are running Spa for Spirits - a wellness center inhabited by aliens. Together with artists and experts from different artistic fields and domains of life, they create interactive and participatory installations and performances.

19 > 21 september 2025
Concert - Idylle Dramatique by Ictus Ensemble
In this program, musicians Tom Pauwels & Eva Reiter perform works by French composer Marin Marais (1656-1728), played on viola da gamba and electric guitar. His opera Idylle dramatique was performed at Versailles with such great success that the crown prince asked for a reprise. Unfortunately, the music was lost. Burkhard Stangl (b. 1960), himself one of the most original guitarists, composers and improvisers in the field of experimental and electronic music, now, 340 years later, provides a subtle commentary on the music of Marin Marais.

Info, reservations and schedule from 15/8 at www.atwodogscompany.org