Lab-Z / Theater Zuidplein
A breeding ground for talent who follow an unconventional route
It’s often very difficult for an up-and-coming performing artist to make progress because of the lack of development spaces. However, at Lab-Z at Theater Zuidplein they given every opportunity to grow, experiment and take risks. ‘Some artists arrive here, and I tell them: great concept, but that’s not actually why we’re here. For us it’s all about you.’
The artistic coordinator of Lab-Z is Milou Brockhus. She is a jack of all trades. From theatre maker to concept developer as well as policy advisor and teacher. Throughout the year, she welcomes people from across the country who aspire to work in the performing arts. She doesn’t mind what artistic training someone has followed – or whether they are self-taught. During an in-depth get-to-know-you session, Brockhus assesses if she will be able to create a development spot for them at the lab.
Create together
In order to select from the many applications, she applies principles in which the DNA of Theater Zuidplein can be felt ‘We don’t have a production branch of our own, and so we don’t have any artistic signature into which makers must fit. What matters to us the most, is that they are interested in all layers of society. Similarly, we also expect makers to draw inspiration from the time in which we are living collectively. This is somewhat distinct from: what is my artistic signature? What is my story? And how do I transform that into my performance?’
Incubator
Ideas, talents, creativity. For these to reach maturity, one needs space. To nurture yourself. To try out all sorts of things. To move forward and receive help in doing so. But you also need space to find a stage and be seen. That’s why Dioraphte invests in breeding grounds for creative minds and the practitioners of the performing arts.
Accordingly, Brockhus does not select based on someone’s artistic concept. All the focus is on the maker. ‘Who is that person? Where do someone’s strengths and talents lie? What are their challenges, development potential and opportunities?’ If someone is selected, she and the artist draw up development goals together. All the stops are pulled out to help achieve those goals. ‘Our support is personalised and tailored fully to meet the needs of the maker. It involves collaboration with audiences and other participants – together with coaches from the field. In addition to our Lab-Z team of technicians, fundraisers and production supervisors. It’s all about making together,’ says Brockhus.
Trust accomplishes many things
The participants can embark on many different pathways. One is geared towards research and experimentation. ‘On this path, there’s no pressure to perform or to produce a presentation. They should be able to experiment in complete safety, without knowing the outcome in advance. They are even allowed to fail – and learn from it. Another route is specifically designed to work towards a public performance. In addition, there are the so-called drawing tables. This is where new makers can work in groups to further develop their concept or work on a play in complete freedom.’
Since its start in 2017, Lab-Z has evolved into a special development space in which new voices can make inroads towards a professional stage presence. ‘It’s really special to be allowed to accompany them during their development. If you were to ask me what touches me most, each time, I’d say: what trust can achieve. The moment you believe in the makers, things start moving. And they start believing in themselves too.’