Sensitive, groundbreaking work by Virginie Loveling translated to the present
What happens when three young writers decide to bring Virginie Loveling, an almost forgotten Flemish author, back to life? One word: heartbreak. In their performance The Virginie Loveling Heartbreak Show, the hearts of Mees van Rijswijk, Johannes Lievens, and Marieke Ornelis are broken by bad boys, mommy issues, the nation-state, zombies, and memories that refuse to be forgotten. In a mix of stories, songs, and poetry, the creators—together forming the collective Drie Dagen Fris—dive into literary history, while also exploring their own funny, dark, and ultra-secret dating pasts.
In her novel A Revolver Shot (1911), Virginie Loveling (1836–1923) tells the story of two sisters entangled in a complex love triangle, both seduced by the same man—whom they ultimately murder. Today, this tale of power struggles, family ties, and gendered violence feels more relevant than ever. The Virginie Loveling Heartbreak Show is an attempt to bring Loveling’s sensitive and innovative work into a fresh, contemporary context. After all, don’t we still secretly exchange sexy messages today? Don’t we endlessly enjoy daydreaming about our lovers on public transport? And aren’t we still willing to go to extremes—until death do us part?
Under the name DRIE DAGEN FRIS, literary creators/musicians Mees van Rijswijk, Marieke Ornelis, and Johannes Lievens are kicking off a year of experimentation. Through residencies and performances, they’re getting to know one another, the wide spectrum of stage literature, and other performance artists.
Credits
By and with: Marieke Ornelis, Mees van Rijswijk, and Johannes Lievens
In collaboration with: Explore The North, vonk & zonen, CC Brugge, Oerol, MIMIK, Het Nationale Theater, and STORMRAM
Production: Sander Koning
Fundraising: Janneke De Boer
Marketing: Merel Hoekstra & Mathé Többen
Design: Niels Lunter
Special thanks to: Pim Cornelussen, Eva van Netten, Mark Hospers, deBuren, Het Entrepot, Mira Van Damme, and Brugs Food Lab.
