Searchlight session 2 - Shakespeare is dead

13.02.2024 • 17:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

OPENING

& state of the playwright by Rebekka de Wit

English surtitled

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 • 21:00
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

SCRATCHNIGHT #STUDENT

Hosted by Luca Drama

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 & bookshop

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

Discover our mobile bookshop during the festival!

sid*

09.06.2026 • 10:00 – 17:00
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

EXPO MIXTAPE ANDERS

MIXTAPE ANDERS

Organized by Het Kwartier

sid*

09.06.2026 • 12:30 – 15:00
OPEK (kantoor WISPER), Leuven

Searchlight session 1

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

Invite only

sid*

09.06.2026 • 13:00 – 14:30
OPEK (box), Leuven

Info session Sabam

Your theatre text, your rights.

sid*

09.06.2026 • 15:00 – 16:00
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Shortcuts

Networking moment for the professional playwright in our festival café with Sabam, deAuteurs, Kunstenpunt, deBuren, Literatuur Vlaanderen & De Nieuwe Toneelbibliotheek.

In collaboration with Sabam.

sid*

09.06.2026 • 16:00 – 17:00
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 – 18:30
OPEK (rotonde), 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 – 19:30
OPEK (+2), Leuven

Walking dinner

Right after the opening.

sid*

09.06.2026 • 19:00 – 19:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 1

Introduction to CYBORG ORGY and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*

09.06.2026 • 19:30 – 21:00
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 – 00:00
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 – 12:00
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 – 12:00
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 – 17:00
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 – 13:30
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 • 14:30 – 16:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 2

Staged reading (EN)

Bart Van Nuffelen – Honderd

Nina van Tongeren – Teckel

sid*

10.06.2026 • 16:30 – 18:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate 1: Future Narratives for Planet Earth

Panel discussion in English with authors from the Future Narratives for Planet Earth project exploring the difficulty of talking about tomorrow. In collaboration with Literatuur Vlaanderen

sid*

10.06.2026 • 19:00 – 19:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 2

Introduction to ZOÉ and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*

10.06.2026 • 19:30 – 20:40
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

ZOÉ - An Immersive Science Fiction Poem - UniT (AT)

The music performance ZOE imagines a speculative future in which the stage becomes a living landscape and an active system of encounter. Electronic music, voice, bodies, and space form a nonlinear, multisensory web of human and more-than-human perspectives. ZOE is a science-fiction poem beyond the Anthropocene — a polyphonic narrative of the Earth’s ongoing becoming and the life forms it sustains.

sid*

10.06.2026 • 20:30 – 21:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 3

Introduction to LEBENLIFEHAYAT! and artistic intervention by Cie Tartaren.

sid*

10.06.2026 • 21:00 – 22:30
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

LEBENLIFEHAYAT! - Hessisches Landestheater Marburg (DE)

LEBENLIFEHAYAT! is a long poem and an urgent outcry in a burning world. At the same time, it ignites a spark of hope and begins the search for new, future narratives. This is a new beginning, a restart.

sid*

11.06.2026 • 10:00 – 12:00
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 – 12:00
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 – 17:00
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 – 13:30
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 – 23:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER 360° Two-Day Event 1

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

Invite only

sid*

11.06.2026 • 13:30 – 15:30
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 • 13:30 – 15:30
OPEK (sluis), Leuven

Legal consult Sabam

At Shakespeare is Dead, we believe that strong creative works deserve a solid legal framework. That’s why, during the festival, we’re offering the opportunity to schedule a personal juridical consultation with Timothy Mortier, a lawyer at Sabam. Are you working on a play and about to collaborate with a producer? Then this is the perfect time to ask your questions and get tailored advice.

sid*

11.06.2026 • 15:30 – 17:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate 2: Joy as an act of Resistance

How can playwriting cultivate 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 – 19:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 4

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

sid*

11.06.2026 • 19:30 – 21:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

Landscape with radioactive dogs - Theater Bellevue (NL)

Inspired by his family history, writer and director Espen Hjort sets a pack of radioactive dogs on the trail of a Norwegian professor. The performance takes us to a mysterious research institute in the early years of the Cold War, where radiation experiments are carried out on dogs.

sid*

11.06.2026 • 21:30 – 00:00
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 – 12:00
OPEK (rotonde), 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 – 17:00
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 – 12:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate 3: Collective creation and authorship

Debate (NL) in collaboration with Kunstenpunt and deAuteurs on collective creation and authorship.

sid*

12.06.2026 • 11:00 – 23:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER 360° Two-Day Event 2

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

Invite only

sid*

12.06.2026 • 12:00 – 13:30
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 – 16:00
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 – 14:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Nico Boon lecture performance - About Playwrighting

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 – 16:00
OPEK (box), Leuven

Debate 4: Relatable narratives

Debate (NL) in collaboration with Kunstenpunt and Sabam on stories between city and periphery, based on Wouter Hillaert’s essay.

sid*

12.06.2026 • 16:00 – 17:30
OPEK (dak), Leuven

Aperitif

Informal networking moment for professionals.

In collaboration with Sabam.

sid*

12.06.2026 • 19:00 – 19:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 5

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

sid*

12.06.2026 • 19:30 – 21:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

PRISHTINA. The Premeditated Killing of a Dream - Qendra Multimedia (XK)

Today, illegal construction has reached catastrophic dimensions. “PRISHTINA. The Premeditated Killing of a Dream” addresses this institutionalized destruction, inviting us to rethink our responsibility for the city. Over the last 25 years, Prishtina has transformed into a massive construction site, overshadowed by a parallel ghost city that threatens the future.

sid*

12.06.2026 • 20:30 – 21:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 6

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

sid*

12.06.2026 • 21:00 – 22:30
OPEK (zwarte zaal), Leuven

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

The Human Gaze & The 6/9 Problem is a mythical music performance that connects the past, present, and future in a cyclical universe. Inspired by Nordic Mythology, especially The World Tree Yggdrasil and Ragnarok, it tells of the relationship between humans and nature and the challenges of climate catastrophe.

sid*

13.06.2026 • 10:00 – 12:00
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Reading Room 5

Reading Room: Students (NL)

Organised by LUCA Drama

sid*

13.06.2026 • 10:00 – 17:00
OPEK, (vergaderlokaal) Leuven

WISPER Monologues

Writing for theatre: monologues

Invite only

sid*

13.06.2026 • 10:00 – 17:00
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 – 12:00
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 – 15:00
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 – 17:30
OPEK (sluis & atelier), Leuven

Searchlight session 4 & 5

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

Invite only

sid*

13.06.2026 • 15:00 – 17:30
OPEK (kleine zaal), Leuven

Roundtable conversation FR-NL authors

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

sid*

13.06.2026 • 15:30 – 16:30
OPEK (zwarte zaal), 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 – 21:00
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 – 19:30
OPEK (rotonde), Leuven

Introduction 7

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

sid*

13.06.2026 • 19:30 – 21:00
OPEK (grote zaal), Leuven

JUDIT SEEKS - Het nieuwstedelijk (BE)

JUDIT ZKT. (JUDIT SEEKS) is a polyphonic narrative with a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between humans and nature: confronting, contradictory, and mercilessly relatable.

sid*

13.06.2026 • 21:30 – 00:00
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*