Jan Fabre . Troubleyn

What does Jan Fabre mean when he says 'anyone who presents a monologue must be an athlete of emotions'? The answer lies in this special series. For three weeks at a stretch you can enjoy three monologues he wrote for the actor Dirk Roofthooft. The main idea behind each monologue is Fabre's questioning of the artistic calling and the status of originality and authenticity associated with it. Plus one of the recurring themes in Fabre's work: metamorphosis. Thirteen years after the creation of 'The Emperor of Loss', Jan Fabre completed the circle with 'The Servant of Beauty'. Two reruns and a world premiere. In 'The Emperor of Loss' there is a clown on stage who, like Tommy Cooper, tries harder and harder to demonstrate something original, even though he fails time and again. The clown - a metaphor for every artist - wants to forget everything except the strength to say 'no'. No to the world and its power structures, but also to the audience's expectations and established conventions.