Festivalgast Jan Decleir

Ivan De Vadder talks to Jan Decleir about special moments in his life. About his work in the theatre, including 'Mistero Buffo', his solo work with Dario Fo, 'Gilles de Rais', a play Hugo Claus wrote especially for him, his time with the Blauwe Maandag Compagnie, etc. He also talks about his film career which has included leading roles in 'Antonia's Line' and 'Character'; both took him to the Oscar podium. About the years when he headed the Studio Herman Teirlinck drama school and coached young actors, and about his graphic work, which fewer people know about, even though he has been drawing and painting ever since he was young. Short film extracts are used to explore Jan Decleir's world. The internationally renowned Russian-Austrian violinist Dora Schwarzberg will perform a programme of tangos in the form of musical interludes; she is joined by Jorge Bosso (composer, cellist) and Alexander Gurning (piano). 2006 Poster This is a work by Jan Decleir. It shows sheep holding two severed heads in their mouths against a pale green background: Gilles de Rais and Jeanne d'Arc are a reference to the play 'Gilles de Rais'. Small exhibition During the Theatre Festival several of Jan Decleir's paintings will be exhibited in deSingel. For more information on Jan Decleir's work please contact De Zwarte Panter gallery, www.artsite.be/zwartepanter, tel. 03 233 13 45, galerie@dezwartepanter.be A selection of Decleir films Decleir has acted in dozens of Belgian and international films. We asked him what his favourites were. They include 'Burned Bridges', 'Mira', 'Character', 'Hop' and 'Rolande met de blés'. A viewers' corner will be installed in deSingel where one of these favourites will be shown every night during the Theatre Festival.