Gardenia 10 years later

25 June 2010 – the curtain in the NTGent city theatre opens and Gardenia premières. Inspired by the penetrating film Yo soy así (by Sonia Herman Dolz), in which the closing of a transvestite cabaret in Barcelona affords us a glimpse into the private lives of a memorable group of old artists, directors Frank Van Laecke and Alain Platel and composer Steven Prengels said yes to a project that can be called unique in every respect.
Gardenia, a co-production of les ballets C de la B, which in the meantime became laGeste together with kabinet k, and NTGent, goes deep into the turbulent lives of nine striking people. Gardenia is not a work of fiction. It's a singular account, the most intimate of tales about hope and cherished or lost illusions. 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.
(read more after the video)

The world embraced the production and for two years Gardenia played over 200 performances with stops at Avignon, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Belgrade, Barcelona, Lisbon, Oslo, Quebec and Montréal, Adelaide, Taipei and a tour of Russia.
In 2012 Gardenia was nominated for the prestigious British Olivier Award. Later, the life of the cast was beautifully portrayed in the documentary Before the last curtain falls, which, in turn, was showered with awards at international film festivals.
Ten years on, the cast is reunited. Or not quite. Andrea has left us forever. And as she went, so did Tina Turner. Eight of them now, they continue. Eight individuals so special you will want to get to know them. Want to embrace them.
What binds them are the marks scored deep on their souls.
What drives them is the unimaginable will to survive.
In the hope they will succeed.
Through transformation. Or not.
In the knowledge that the price is incredibly high. Even today.
Ready to take the stage by storm.
To move and surprise.
To laugh and keep silent.
To sparkle and shine, one more time, somewhere over the rainbow.
credits
performance & creation
Vanessa Van Durme, Griet Debacker, Andrea De Laet (†), Richard 'Tootsie' Dierick, Danilo Povolo, Gerrit Becker, Hendrik Lebon, Dirk Van Vaerenbergh, Rudy Suwynsdirection
Frank Van Laecke, Alain Platelto an idea of
Vanessa Van Durmemusic
Steven Prengelsset design
Paul Galliscostume design
Marie 'costume' Lauwers, Dorine Demuynck, Lutje Tamsinstagemanager
Wim Piqueurlight
Kurt Lefevre (ontwerp), Jan Mergaert, Bennert Vancottemsound
Sam Serruys (ontwerp), Brecht Beuselinck, Jo Thielemansheaddresses & feather headdresses
Claudine Grinwis Plaat Stultjes, Dian Vandecruysphotography
Luk Monsaertproduction manager
Valerie Desmettour manager
Katrien Van Gysegemset transport
Maurice Van de Veldetrainee
Jesse Vandammeset realisation
Ateliers NTGentrealisation costumes
Atelier NTGent olv An De Molproduction
NTGent & laGeste (les ballets C de la B + kabinet k)coproduction
Le Volcan Scène nationale du Havreorginal coproducers (2010)
NTGent, La rose des vents (Villeneuve d'Ascq), TorinoDanza, Biennale de la danse de Lyon, Tanz im August (Berlin), Théâtre National de Chaillot (Paris), Brighton festival, Centro Cultural Vila Flor Guimaraes, La Bâtie-Festival de Genève, Festival d'Avignonwith support of
De Vlaamse Overheid, Stad Gent, Tax Shelter maatregel van de Belgische Federale Overheidthanks to
Yan Tax, Kryolan- 27 Sep 22 — De Standaard - "Hulde aan de dragpioniers. De voorstelling van de week" (Gardenia & Ferox getipt)
- 18 Nov 21 — The Reviews Hub (ENG) - "Gardenia, 10 years later in Sadler's Wells, London" - (review)
- 26 Jul 21 — KLARA - "Wereldsucces 'Gardenia' keert terug naar de planken" - (itv Frank Van Laecke)
- 25 Jul 21 — Focus Knack - "Een kantwerkje melancholie, mè een scheute Gentsche umor" - (recensie 'Gardenia'_***)
- 29 Jun 21 — DS Weekblad - "Je moet op de barricaden staan, maar dat kan toch een beetje happy?" - reportage 'Gardenia, 10 jaar later'