Nikolas Lestaeghe, Jonathan Cant & Casimir Franken
A mini-club for partygoers from 5 years old.
‘Release everything!’ shouts the DJ through the microphone.
A waft of children’s sweat fills the smallest disco in the country.
These raspy little voices cheer to the music.
‘Parents not allowed!’, says a bouncer at the door
‘This club is for children only’.
Adults just don’t fit in with their big bodies.The pounding beats can be heard outside.
The roof goes off.
The little ravers tear themselves away from parental authority at their first rave.
Welcome to the Bonkers Kidsrave, a club for partygoers as young as 5 years old, operated by Nikolas Lestaeghe, Jonathan Cant and Casimir Franken. The beats of Belgian eurodance, gabber music and techno bang through the speakers and the smoke machines run at full speed.
While adults watch from the sidelines with open mouths, this theatrical experience challenges children to let go completely. In the club, actors, interactive elements and DJ sets – tailored to the right age – ensure that children find their way in this merry rave. The little ravers leave the club with a new perspective on (their) freedom and then take adults in tow.
credits
concept and performance Nikolas Lestaeghe, Jonathan Cant & Casimir Franken
co-production Zonzo Compagnie, Musica Impulscentrum & C-TAKT
with thanks to Het Bos & Bronks
with support from Flanders
This project came about in part from a residency at Musica & C-TAKT. You can read more about the creation process here.