Festival For Real focuses on new technologies in performing arts

NTGent, 30CC Leuven and Cultuurcentrum Brugge are proud to present For Real, a brand-new travelling festival that unites three cities and three theatres in a programme focused on new technologies in the performing arts. 

The three partners have teamed up in a new network for research, development, reflection and programming. From 2028 onwards, For Real will be held simultaneously in Ghent, Leuven and Bruges, but the organisers will get things going in the 26-27 seasons with their own ‘beta’ version. 

In February 2027 there will be three events in Ghent in the space of one week, in collaboration with local partners: the world première of the profoundly human and high-tech Sonder by Yves Degryse, BERLIN & NTGent, an incisive debate, and the Belgian première of the “gorgeous, minimalist AI opera” Artificial by Nature (Volkskrant; *****).

In the same month, Bruges will host the gaming festival Playtime 20.27. 30CC Leuven will get things going in November 2026, with a five-day programme where VR, AI and robotics engage in dialogue with music, theatre and circus. 

For Real Gent 2027 is an initiative of the Goose Bumps Tech Lab at NTGent and a partnership with Wintercircus, KOPERGIETERY, VIERNULVIER, CAMPO and GUM.