Frames

Frames surround us silently – around paintings, within theatres – and often go unnoticed. But what power does a frame really hold? What happens if you remove it, alter it, or even focus solely on the frame itself? The performance Frames takes on this fascinating interplay between art and boundary, transforming everyday public spaces into extraordinary stages. 

Alexander Vantournhout combines circus and dance practice to focus on movement in its purest form. Meticulously, the four performers build ever-changing body sculptures in the viewing frames. Bodies intertwine, hang from and climb on the frames, walk upside down, and defy both gravity and your imagination. Each movement is a continuous search for balance, focusing on cooperation and body control. 
In the dramatic setting of the location (we will announce the exact location later), the observer can view the performance from all different sides: from the front, side, and even from below. Perspectives tilt and physical logic seems to disappear. Frames invites you on a trail along choreographic installations that challenge and blend art and viewing perspectives into physical poetry in the public space. 

Alexander Vantournhout (Brussels, 1989) is artist in residence at arts centre VIERNULVIER in Ghent (BE) and associate artist of le CENTQUATRE in Paris (FR). He studied single wheel and juggling at ESAC (Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque) and contemporary dance at P.A.R.T.S. (Performing Arts Research and Training Studios) in Brussels. Since 2014 he has created more than 10 shows, ranging from solos to group pieces, which have been touring intensely over the last ten years. His shows have been awarded several times and in 2024 he received the Ultima, Flanders’ highest recognition for performing arts. 

Chimeric choreographer Alexander Vantournhout has been a regular guest on the Noorderzon festival, in 2019 with “Screws”, and in 2023 with “Van Thorhout”. He founded his company Not Standing in 2012, and since then his productions have been regularly selected for the TheaterFestival, and his dance pieces and film work are presented on many prestigious festivals around the world.