Shivadas De Schrijver

What happens when someone you put on a pedestal begins to dominate you? And what if it all explodes? So what do you carry with you – and what do you leave behind?

Inspired by Shivadas’ childhood with a spiritual leader, in which devotion opened a door to manipulation, Ballast explores the impact of oppressive relationships. On stage, this poetic solo translates into a hushed, almost ritualistic play with large silver seat balls – a universe of rubber, light and sound. The performance moves through moments of surrender, disillusionment and redemption – with each touch echoing in the fragile silence.

Shivadas De Schrijver (they/them) is a performance artist and videographer with a background in dance. Who worked with Riccardo Sbrighi, Lonneke Van Leth Productions, Kunsthal Gent and Elfine Radwanski, among others. As a videographer, Shivadas developed his own signature through so-called walkthroughs, in which the camera – like a dancing observer – moves through art galleries. Since 2022, it has focused on movement theater. During TRANSIT, a project by Victoria Deluxe, Shivadas rediscovered their bodily language. Ballast is the first resulting project and was previously seen at Broei Dance Studio (2023) and the Outside In Festival (2024) as a work in progress.

Credits: Concept and play: Shivadas De Schrijver // Music: Jan D’Haene // Scenography: Jana Roos // With thanks to: Fábrica de Braço de Prata (PT), DANSPUNT, Victoria Deluxe & CAMPO // With support from: RADAR Mechelen & MESTIZO ARTS PLATFORM/WIPCOOP.Photo: Ra Acke

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