BELGIUM

Belgium’s play “Hortense” was really touching and current. The play told a real story from Holocaust and World War 2. 

I really liked that “Hortense” played with the senses of the audience; there was a part of the play when the audience was blindfolded. It was really interesting to hear the story through voices and sound alone. The actors did a great creating an immersive atmosphere and pulling us into the story.

The music was really good and the actors were also really talented singers. The piano on stage brought depth into the soundscape of the play. 

One detail that also got my attention was the historically accurate staging: the old radio, clothes and especially the language.

The script of the play made the experience of this story very realistic. Characters were easy to tell apart from each other and the storyline was rather easy to follow. It was great that the historical context was explained during the play so that everyone could follow what was going on.

At the end of the play the actors spoke also about the current situation of the world. It was really meaningful and touching. The play ended with everyone singing “Bella Ciao” (a famous Italian partisan song) that connected us all in the fight against fascism in the world.

In summary Hortense was well made and current piece which reminded us all about why history is important to remember. 

by Helium & Maya