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SCRATCHNIGHT #STUDENT

14.02.2024 • 21:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

  • Scratchnights
Event
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Programme

  • Book presentation
  • Creative Writing
  • Debate
  • Introductions & Cie Tartaren
  • Reading Club
  • Literatuur Vlaanderen
  • Networking moment
  • Reception
  • rhizom-art
  • Round table conversation
  • Scratchnights
  • SID day 1 - Tue 09.06
  • SID day 2 - Wed 10.06
  • SID day 3 - Thu 11.06
  • SID day 4 - Fri 12.06
  • SID day 5 - Sat 13.06
  • Exchange FR-NL
  • Performances
  • WiSPER
  • Workshop
  • Searchlight sessions
  • deAuteurs
  • deBuren
  • Expo
  • fABULEUS
  • Future Narratives
  • Het Kwartier
  • Kunstenpunt
  • Lecture performance
  • LUCA
  • OPENDOEK
  • Opening
  • Reading Room
  • Sabam
  • SACD
  • Shortcuts
13.02.2024 • 17:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

OPENING

& state of the playwright by Rebekka de Wit

English surtitled

sid*
13.02.2024 • 20:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

PERFORMANCE Beven - Het nieuwstedelijk

text Maria Milisavljevic (selection SID 2022)
translation Henri Bloemen
directed by Stijn Devillé
performance Sara Vertongen
music Geert Waegeman

English surtitled

sid*
13.02.2024 • 20:00
30CC/Wagehuys, Leuven

PERFORMANCE Analoog - DE HOE

from & with Louis Janssens en Willem de Wolf

sid*
13.02.2024 • 21:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

SCRATCHNIGHT #OPEN CALL

textjams

sid*
14.02.2024 • 10:00 – 11:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM International selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

Exodus
Uma Nada-Rajah

The Empty Suitcase
Kaveh Ayreek

sid*
14.02.2024 • 11:30 – 13:30
Cas-co, Leuven

Lunch of the wide world

International professionals and playwrights meet for lunch.
in association with SABAM

sid*
14.02.2024 • 13:30 – 15:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM Dutch-language selection

in samenwerking met Literatuur Vlaanderen, Kunstenpunt, Fonds Podiumkunsten NL SABAM en deAuteurs

Sea of Silence
Esther Duysker en Floor Houwink Ten Cate

The Voice of Fingers
Thomas Bellinck & Said Reza Adib

Diary of an empty bed
Mokhallad Rasem

sid*
14.02.2024 • 16:00 – 17:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM International selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

Two Palestinians go dogging
Sami Ibrahim


Bad Roads
Natalka Vorozhbyt

sid*
14.02.2024 • 18:00 – 19:00
OPEK (box)

DEBATE #Playwriting from a country other than your native country ENG

In the 2024 selection, it is striking that quite a few writers no longer live and work in their native countries. They have fled, immigrated or live in exile. A conversation about the consequences and the challenges.

sid*
14.02.2024 • 20:00
30CC/Schouwburg, Leuven

PERFORMANCE De duivels / les diables - Krapp & KVS

concept Mats Vandroogenbroeck, Nona Demey Gallagher en Timo Sterckx (KRAPP)
text Mats Vandroogenbroeck
with Mats Vandroogenbroeck, Timo Sterckx, Fleur Perneel, Bastiaan Vandendriesche, Maria Zandvliet en Fiene Zasada
directed by Nona Demey Gallagher

French & English surtitled

sid*
14.02.2024 • 20:00 – 22:00
Cinema ZED, STUK, Leuven

PERFORMANCE Bad roads (movie)

Four short stories are set along the roads of Donbass during the war. No place is safe and no one understands what is going on.

The film of the same name from the theatre text by Natalka Vorozhbyt (from the SID international selection 2024).

With aftertalk with the author!

sid*
14.02.2024 • 21:30
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

PERFORMANCE Beven - Het nieuwstedelijk

text Maria Milisavljevic (selection SID 2022)
translation Henri Bloemen
directed by Stijn Devillé
performance Sara Vertongen
music Geert Waegeman

English surtitled

sid*
15.02.2024 • 10:00 – 11:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM Dutch-language selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

Trojan Wars
Peer Wittenbols

Shell Case
Rebekka de Wit & Anoek Nuyens

sid*
15.02.2024 • 13:30 – 15:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM International selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

Wonderwomb
Amir Gudarzi

Macadam Circus
Thomas Depryck

Wounds of the City
Sebastián Eddowes-Vargas

sid*
15.02.2024 • 16:00 – 17:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM Dutch-language selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

I have no thoughts and this is one of them
Tine Van Aerschot


Mater
Femke Van der Steen

sid*
15.02.2024 • 16:00 – 18:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

LAB FUTURE NARRATIVES #1: playwriting in times of climate crisis ENG

Quite a few theatre texts and performances at the festival have the climate crisis as their central theme. All these authors join us for a conversation about playwriting in times of climate crisis.

sid*
15.02.2024 • 20:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

PERFORMANCE 9,6 (a defense) - Het nieuwstedelijk

written & directed by Stijn Devillé
with Sara Vertongen
music Bert Hornikx & Joy Adegoke

English surtitled

sid*
15.02.2024 • 21:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

SCRATCHNITHG #UNCUT

Open podium for music, slam en spoken word, hosted by Trill

sid*
16.02.2024 • 10:00 – 12:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM Dutch-language selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs

Age of Rage
Jibbe Willems

Here We Go Again (White Male Privilige)
Annelies Verbeke

Love Decleration (forever)
Magne van den Berg

sid*
16.02.2024 • 12:30 – 13:30
OPEK (box)

DEBATE #Playwriting in times of war ENG

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue to rage and cause bewilderment. They also resonate in two stage texts from the international selection: 'Bad Roads' (Natalka Vorozhbyt) and 'Two Palestinians go dogging' (Sami Ibrahim). A conversation about the impact of war on playwriting.

sid*
16.02.2024 • 14:00 – 16:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

READING ROOM International selection

In association with Flanders Literature, Flanders Arts Institute, Performing Arts Fund NL, SABAM and deAuteurs


Judith Shakespeare - Rape & Revenge
Paula Thielecke

Three Winters
Tena Stivicic

The Writer
Ella Hickson

sid*
16.02.2024 • 14:00 – 16:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

LAB FUTURE NARRATIVES #2: cultural organisations in times of climate crisis ENG

Since 2022, Leuven has been in the vanguard as a European mission city. The goal of the mission is 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The first Leuven Climate Contract contains an action plan towards climate neutrality in 2030, commitments by partners to implement the actions, and a financial model to pay for them. What are the roles that the cultural sector can play here? What expertise can we share?

sid*
16.02.2024 • 20:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

PERFORMANCE Freedom Club - theater arsenaal en Het Kwartier

text Freek Mariën
based on an idea by Timme Afschrift, Carl von Winckelmann and Freek Mariën
directed by Freek Mariën, Carl von Winckelmann
with Joris Van den Brande

sid*
16.02.2024 • 20:00
30CC/Wagehuys, Leuven

PERFORMANCE De uitnodiging - Laura Van Dolron

concept and text Laura van Dolron
with Laura van Dolron en Mark Kulsdom

SOLD OUT

sid*
16.02.2024 • 21:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

SCRATCHNIGHT #OPEN CALL

textjams

sid*
17.02.2024 • 12:30 – 14:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

DEBATE #Ethical issues in choosing a stage text NL

A debate on ethical issues and current questions when choosing a theatre text.
hosted by WiSPER

sid*
17.02.2024 • 16:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

PERFORMANCE Raarhaar - Voss & fABULEUS

Directed by Noa Pylyser
Text & coaching Nico Boon
with Aline Nuyens, Berthe Kilozo, Eline Kuppens & Maxime Waladi

sid*
17.02.2024 • 20:00
30CC/Schouwburg, Leuven

PERFORMANCE Over de tong, over de lippen

Festive evening of new playwriting featuring Annelies Verbeke, Jan Decorte & Sigrid Vinks, Dalila Hermans, Freek Mariën, Frank Siera and more!

sid*
09.06 – 13.06.2026 • 09:30 – 21:00
OPEK (onthaal), Leuven

Reception

Questions? Visit us at the info desk at the reception.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER Lecturers day

Lecturers Day: For theater teachers: writing and creating with groups

Invite only

 

sid*
09.06 – 13.06.2026 • 10:00 – 23:00
OPEK, Leuven

MIXTAPE ANDERS

MIXTAPE ANDERS

Organized by Het Kwartier

sid*
09.06.2026 • 12:30
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

Searchlight session 1

Feedback sessions for (young) playwrights. In collaboration with deBuren and Sabam.

Invite only

sid*
09.06.2026 • 13:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Workshop Sabam

Your theatre text, your rights.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 15:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Shortcuts

The information fair for the professional playwright.

In collaboration with Sabam.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 16:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Book presentation Het Kwartier

MIXTAPE B-Sides - Het Kwartier

Thirteen short, standalone plays - Freek Mariën & Carl von Winckelmann

sid*
09.06.2026 • 17:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Opening

The grand opening of the festival, featuring The State of a Playwright, speeches, performances, and music – weather permitting, outdoors in the renovated Vaartkom.

In collaboration with Sabam.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 18:30
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Walking dinner

Right after the opening.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (+1), Leuven

Introduction 1

Introduction to CYBORG ORGY and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 19:30
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

Cyborg Orgy - The Last Show of the Anthropocene - Theater NAFTA (UKR)

CYBORG ORGY is a theatrical response to the ongoing ecocide in Ukraine and confronts the irreversible destruction of the environment caused by war. Inspired by Donna Haraway's A Cyborg Manifesto, this performance blurs the line between man, machine and nature in a world of hybrid survival.

sid*
09.06.2026 • 21:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Scratchnight 1

An insatiable team of actors reads excerpts in jam sessions from the submissions. Gems from the pool of emerging writers, but seasoned professionals also get a chance to shine. In collaboration with deBuren.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 1

Staged reading (EN)

Carl von Winckelmann – Europese man, een kroniek

Eva Gouda – POPpulisme

sid*
10.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Reading Club 1

Tabletop version of the Reading Room

Join The Reading Club to explore the text JUDIT ZKT. by Femke Van der Steen.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (kantoor WISPER), Leuven

Creative Writing residency 1

An intensive writing residency for aspiring playwrights.

Playwright Annelies Verbeke is coaching six aspiring writers.

Invite only

sid*
10.06.2026 • 12:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Netwerklunch 1

During the networking lunches, not only is fresh, vegetarian food served, but it’s also an opportunity for theater text professionals from Flanders, the Netherlands, and far beyond to meet each other.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 13:30
OPEK, Leuven

Nico Boon lecture performance - About Playwrighting 1

About Playwriting (A Lecture) was created as part of Nico Boon’s doctoral thesis at the Associated Faculty of the Arts (KU Leuven/LUCA School of Arts). In this lecture, Boon approaches playwriting as a practice of continuous improvisation, in which chance, rhythmic intuitions, auditory awareness, bodily impulses, shapeshifting, and experimenting are more important than fixed narrative structures, or clear meanings, or distinct boundaries. He views playwriting as a transgressive enterprise that always refuses to choose a definitive form.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 14:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 2

Staged reading (EN)

Bart Van Nuffelen – Honderd

Nina van Tongeren – Teckel

sid*
10.06.2026 • 16:30
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate: Future Narratives for Planet Earth

Panel discussion (EN) with authors from the Future Narratives for Planet Earth project.

In collaboration with Literatuur Vlaanderen.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 2

Introduction to ZOÉ and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 19:30
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

ZOÉ - An Immersive Science Fiction Poem in the Post-Anthropocene - UniT (AT)

ZOÉ is an immersive music performance that brings together science fiction poetry, electronic sounds and a changing landscape. In a world where humans, machines and nature merge, boundaries between species disappear. Here, stones speak, landscapes breathe and hybrid creatures emerge. ZOÉ invites you to become part of a living, vibrating environment where the definition of life is constantly reinvented.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 20:30
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 3

Introduction to LEBENLIFEHAYAT! and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
10.06.2026 • 21:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

LEBENLIFEHAYAT! - Hessisches Landestheater Marburg (DE)

From an archaic, fundamental situation, Arad Dabiri offers a glimpse into the status quo of humanistic principles in the world.
Rich in associations, the text leads through myths such as the Garden of Eden to demonstrate that humans will only succeed in creating an earthly paradise if they imagine this peaceful place for everyone, without boundaries. LIFE, LIFEHAYAT!

sid*
11.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 3

Staged reading (EN)

Ruth Bruyneel – DEVICKY. (wax the pain away)

Annet Bremen – F*CK Lolita

sid*
11.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Reading Club 2

Tabletop version of the Reading Room

Join The Reading Club to explore the text Skin in the game by Rashif El Kaoui.

sid*
11.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (kantoor WISPER), Leuven

Creative Writing residency 2

An intensive writing residency for aspiring playwrights.

Playwright Annelies Verbeke is coaching six aspiring writers.

Invite only

sid*
11.06.2026 • 12:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Netwerklunch 2

During the networking lunches, not only is fresh, vegetarian food served, but it’s also an opportunity for theater text professionals from Flanders, the Netherlands, and far beyond to meet each other.

sid*
11.06.2026 • 13:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER 360° Two-Day Event

360° Two-Day Event: acting, creating, and watching theatre

Invite only

sid*
11.06.2026 • 13:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 4

Staged reading (EN)

Ahilan Ratnamohan – Alle woorden die ik nog niet kende

Giovanni Brand – Zanger zonder volk

sid*
11.06.2026 • 15:30
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate: Joy as an act of Resistance

This debate (EN) delves into the vital role of theater texts in the fight against despair. Part of the new European project Joy as an act of Resistance.

In collaboration with Literatuur Vlaanderen and Kunstenpunt.

sid*
11.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 4

Introduction to Landschap met radioactieve honden and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
11.06.2026 • 19:30
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

Landscape with radioactive dogs - Theater Bellevue (NL)

In a laboratory on Long Island, dogs are exposed to radioactive radiation. When one dog escapes and mutates, a series of scenes unfolds, connecting seemingly unrelated characters: a Norwegian scientist and his wife, a caretaker who buries the dogs, a young art photographer, and the goddess of vengeance, Athena. A performance in which the boundaries between human and animal begin to blur.

sid*
11.06.2026 • 21:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Scratchnight 2

An insatiable team of actors reads excerpts in jam sessions from the submissions. Gems from the pool of emerging writers, but seasoned professionals also get a chance to shine. In collaboration with deBuren.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Reading Club 3

Tabletop version of the Reading Room

Join The Reading Club to explore the text Wittgenstein 2. Aan de taal ligt het niet by Bo Tarenskeen.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (sluis), Leuven

Searchlight session 2

Feedback sessions for (young) playwrights. In collaboration with deBuren and Sabam.

Invite only

sid*
12.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (kantoor WISPER), Leuven

Creative Writing residency 3

An intensive writing residency for aspiring playwrights.

Playwright Annelies Verbeke is coaching six aspiring writers.

Invite only

sid*
12.06.2026 • 10:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Debate: Collective creation and authorship

Debate (NL) on collective creation and authorship.

In collaboration with Kunstenpunt and deAuteurs

sid*
12.06.2026 • 12:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Netwerklunch 3

During the networking lunches, not only is fresh, vegetarian food served, but it’s also an opportunity for theater text professionals from Flanders, the Netherlands, and far beyond to meet each other.

In collaboration with Sabam and deAuteurs.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 13:30
OPEK (sluis), Leuven

Searchlight session 3

Feedback sessions for (young) playwrights. In collaboration with deBuren and Sabam.

Invite only

sid*
12.06.2026 • 13:30
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Nico Boon lecture performance - About Playwrighting 2

About Playwriting (A Lecture) was created as part of Nico Boon’s doctoral thesis at the Associated Faculty of the Arts (KU Leuven/LUCA School of Arts). In this lecture, Boon approaches playwriting as a practice of continuous improvisation, in which chance, rhythmic intuitions, auditory awareness, bodily impulses, shapeshifting, and experimenting are more important than fixed narrative structures, or clear meanings, or distinct boundaries. He views playwriting as a transgressive enterprise that always refuses to choose a definitive form.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 14:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Debate: Relatable narratives

Debate (NL) on stories between city and periphery, based on Wouter Hillaert’s essay.

In collaboration with Kunstenpunt and Sabam.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 16:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Aperitif

Informal networking moment for professionals.

In collaboration with Sabam.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 5

Introduction to Prishtina. The premeditated killing of a dream and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 19:30
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

Prishtina. The premeditated killing of a dream - Qendra Multimedia (XK)

A city rebuilding after war, a fight for order, and a murder left unsolved. PRISHTINA. The Premeditated Killing of a Dream brings to stage the story of Rexhep Luci and the price of speaking out in a time of silence.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 20:30
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 6

Introduction to The Human Gaze & The 6/9 Problem and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
12.06.2026 • 21:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

The Human Gaze & The 6/9 Problem - MHT Consult (DK)

The Human Gaze & The 6/9 Problem is a musical performance that interweaves myths, poetry, song, and movement to explore humanity’s disconnection from nature. As trees lose their leaves and people lose their minds, a single voice speaks out in search of hope. This story explores how human behaviour has shaped the climate crisis and wonders how we can find a new way forward.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 5

Reading Room: Students (NL)

Organised by LUCA Drama

sid*
13.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER Monologues

Writing for theatre: monologues

Invite only

sid*
13.06.2026 • 10:00
OPEK (kantoor WISPER), Leuven

Creative Writing residency 4

An intensive writing residency for aspiring playwrights.

Playwright Annelies Verbeke is coaching six aspiring writers.

Invite only

sid*
13.06.2026 • 10:30
OPEK (box), Leuven

Round table conversation: Selection amateur theatre companies

Round table conversation (NL) selection amateur theatre companies.

Organised by OPENDOEK.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 13:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 6

Staged reading (NL)

Carl von Winckelmann – Wij de Wijken

Ella Hickson – Oil / Hot Mess / Precious Little Talent

sid*
13.06.2026 • 15:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal & sluis), Leuven

Searchlight session 4 & 5

Feedback sessions for (young) playwrights. In collaboration with OPENDOEK.

Invite only

sid*
13.06.2026 • 15:00
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

Exchange FR-NL

North meets South: rhizom-art, SACD and deAuteurs are organizing a gathering between Dutch- and French-speaking authors from Belgium.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 15:30
OPEK (box), Leuven

Round table conversation: Writing with youngsters

Round table conversation (NL) writing with youngsters.

Organised by fABULEUS and Het Kwartier.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

WISPER Crash course

Crash course with SID-texts (so fresh you can still taste the ink)

Invite only

sid*
13.06.2026 • 19:00
OPEK (voorplein), Leuven

Introduction 7

Introduction to JUDIT ZKT. and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 19:30
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

JUDIT SEEKS - Het nieuwstedelijk (BE)

Judit lives with an overpowering urge to please, even if it means losing herself in the process. At the same time, she obsessively pursues self-improvement and passionately fights for the planet. When she has turned her whole life upside down, she is suddenly confronted with what she has been sacrificing all this time.

Femke Van der Steen's new text is a polyphonic narrative: bold yet imaginative, offering a provocative perspective on the relationship between humans and nature.

sid*
13.06.2026 • 21:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Sleep Tight Scratchnight

An insatiable team of actors reads excerpts in jam sessions from the submissions. Gems from the pool of emerging writers, but seasoned professionals also get a chance to shine. In collaboration with deBuren.

sid*
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