Yvette Poumpalova

In For the last time, give me your eyes Yvette Poumpalova weaves poetry, performance and dance into a ritualistic search for homecoming and connection. She departs from the Bulgarian Kuker tradition* and seeks footing in heritage that both comforts and carries weight. With costumes, ritual bell sounds and conjuring movements, she explores the power of identity and lore. An intimate yet universal journey: what do we take with us, what do we leave behind and where does it create space to heal?

*Kuker tradition: an ancient Bulgarian ritual performed in handmade animal costumes and masks. Between New Year and the beginning of spring, Kukers dance and jump to drive away evil spirits. With their ritual movements, they bring good luck, health and prosperity for the new year.

Yvette Poumpalova (she/her) is a writer and poet, born in Antwerp and of Bulgarian descent. Since 2020, she has been writing poetry, short stories and essays around cultural heritage, the desire for intergenerational connection and the search for one’s identity. For the last time, give me your eyes marks her first step toward multidisciplinary performance.

Credits: Concept en spel: Yvette Poumpalova // Dans: Evert De Maeyer en Juliette-Justine Florence Maesen // Choreografie coach: Nina Plantefève-Castryck // Muziek: Sueño De Smet, Vladimir Dimitrov, Iman Syedshah // Met steun van Mestizo Arts Platform/WIPCOOP.

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