Playwright and singer Jaouad Alloul stepped into a MAP residency in 2019. After a lot of preparatory work, he moved into Rataplan’s auditorium from Feb. 1 to 17 to create the musical theater performance #Messiah.
More than a performance, it became an experience for the audience. He transformed Rataplan into the Gardens of Eden, invited guest artists and provided a funky afterparty. Jaouad Alloul is a playwright and singer whose work brings themes of gender and identity to the audience from his own life experience. He is also part of the collective BeHuman.
After nine years, he gathered all his courage and returned to his childhood home. How is his relationship with his creator after 9 years? What do his roots mean to him after 9 years and how does he look back on them? On his drug use, his transvestite past, his failed marriage and his infidelity. What mistakes did he make? Not in the eyes of Allah, but in his own eyes. Can he still look himself straight in the eye? Who is his Messiah?
#Messias is a jazzy-funky theater concert with poetic influences.
Cast & Crew: Jaouad Alloul, Aiko Devriendt, Mitya Jansen, Lode Jansen, Ruben Pensaert, Gerben Brys, Haroun Iqbal, Sarah Devos, Serine Ayari, Hinda House,Gloria Abena Biney, Roxette Chikua, Zeno De Bruyn, Mike De Ridder, Sam Bynens, Andrea Paolini, Younes Van den Broeck aka Spitlart, Marie De Hert, Ellen Pollard, Nyira Hens, Selm Wenselaers, Tine De Pourcq – With partners: Poolhert Productions and Pianofabriek / Residentie with support from: Flemish Community and City of Antwerp