Lod & B'Rock . Frank Agsteribbe

Judas is a name that often arouses immediate emotions, since it is the ultimate embodiment of evil. Dominique Pauwels, Pieter De Buysser and Inne Goris are now offering an alternative version of the gospel. Here, Christ's death is seen as a liberation and Judas is a close friend who helps him. Judas 'carries Jesus over' to his final destination - non-existence - at the moment when mankind no longer needs Jesus' physical presence and is able to love, miss and celebrate him. The characters are: Judas (a bass-baritone), Jesus (a mezzo-soprano), the evangelist (an Arabian precentor), the very last pope, the first believer after this pope's death, the mysterious 'singer of silence' (the last three characters are played by children, members of the Flanders Opera children's chorus). Meer, a primordial symbol, is personified by a virtual chorus (Collegium Vocale) and is heard through loudspeakers on stage and in the auditorium. Each character is accompanied by a string instrument. These violins gradually expand into an orchestra. In this passion, Pauwels, De Buysser and Goris create links with ethical and social issues. They reflect not only on man, but also on philosophical questions that affect our society.