Wie is bang Tom Lanoye / NTGent & Theaterproductiehuis Zeelandia

Two older actors once were undisputed stars of subsidised theatre, but then they switched to the private circuit. Feeding on their fame, they wanted to make good money for a few seasons with a popular repertory classic about a swearing and alcoholic couple of intellectuals. Afterwards, they would simply return to the 'official' circuit. However, they were never invited back. All their other private productions flopped. Only the cursed classic continues to attract people. Night after night, they are condemned to face each other in the same role.  

Only their opponents change. This time, these are two young actors - roles tailored to Dilan Yurdakul and Tarikh Janssen - for whom they receive a grant because of their colour. The first encounter immediately brings all the simmering conflicts to the fore...

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There is a gap between generations and sexes, and an abyss between the predilection for the canon and the urge for the contemporary. In his characteristically sharp style, Tom Lanoye addresses fundamental questions about theatre: is the staging of classics otherworldly or pertinent? Is our theatre as an art form universal or Eurocentric, white and bygone? And is theatre still relevant at all in times of Netflix? 

In Wie is bang, quarrelling is the ultimate way of making love.