Egmont
(This production will be performed in Dutch)
In 1568, Count of Egmont was beheaded on the Grand Place of Brussels. The foundations of the Low Countries shook under the guillotines and repressive rule of Philip II. The execution of the beloved Egmont sparked great discontent among the people and marked the beginning of the bloody Eighty Years' War.
Two centuries later, Goethe and Beethoven paid homage to the rebellious count. In the historical music theater production "Egmont," Het Banket, I SOLISTI, and Vlaams Radiokoor explore how Egmont became a symbol of reason and tolerance and what his example still has to say to us.
Through the captivating text and music of this new 'Egmont,' the performance presents an intriguing and unbiased account of the historical facts, with nods to the works of Goethe and Beethoven, all from a contemporary perspective. The spotlight on history in 'Egmont' also casts a critical examination of our own time, just as Beethoven and Goethe did over 200 years ago in their tumultuous era.
Since his death, Egmont symbolizes moderation and tolerance in turbulent and polarizing times. His life story has inspired many subsequent generations and continues to resonate today.
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Concept: Het Banket i.s.m. Francis Pollet
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven and Alain Craens
Live music: I SOLISTI and Vlaams Radiokoor
Music direction: Francis Pollet
Acting: Jan Decleir and Roy Aernouts
Text and direction: Tristan Versteven and Brechtje Louwaard
Set design: Tom Liekens
Technical support: Victor Hidalgo and Tristan Versteven
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Egmont is a production of Het Banket, I SOLISTI and Vlaams Radiokoor.