Carrying my Father

What happens when sons carry their fathers? On their shoulders, in their arms, just as their fathers once carried them. This question set in motion an extraordinary journey by THERE THERE Company in 2019, involving four acrobats and their fathers as performers. The result was Carrying My Father, a performance that moved and fascinated audiences both in Belgium and abroad for two years.

For Man Man Man at 30CC, the fathers and sons come together on stage once more. They revive part of the performance, share the emotional process behind its creation through the documentary Vaders dragen, and conclude with a post-show talk in which the performers reflect on their experiences.

It is a physical, poetic performance at the intersection of circus and dance, where carrying and being carried lie at its core. Carrying My Father reveals how beauty can be found in imperfection, how vulnerability and trust go hand in hand, and how relationships, however complex, can be a source of strength and connection. A moving experience that invites reflection, touch, and attention towards one another.

About THERE THERE Company

THERE THERE Company is the artistic duo of Hanna Mampuys and Toon Van Gramberen. Drawing on their background in partner acrobatics, they create physical, concept-driven performances centred on the human being, with all its vulnerability and imperfection. Their work emerges from collaboration between bodies and, in a sober and honest way, seeks meaning and connection.

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This performance is part of Man man man.
A program about masculinity in all its forms.

Boys, men, fathers, and sons are at a turning point. Traditional images of masculinity are being challenged, while new forms of masculinity are still evolving. In this program, we explore questions and answers to collectively arrive at a healthy, inclusive, and free way of being a man.

More info

production THERE THERE Company Cconcept and direction Hanna Mampuys and Toon Van Gramberen cast: Toon & Eugeen Van Gramberen, Jonas & Danny Juchtmans, Josse & Koen De Broeck, Joren & Jan De Cooman, Peter & Dries Vanwalle artistic advice Seppe Baeyens lighting design David Carney sound concept Marie De Broeck and Toon Van Gramberen technical support Casper Van Overschee co-production CIRKLABO, PERPLX and Theater op de Markt photo Bart Grietens