O. Lab #2 - The Witch's Mark

What role do we play as spectators of other people's pain? And how can women regain their voice and power in a society that oppresses them? The Witch's Mark by Belle and The Beats takes you on an intense, multi-sensory journey through the dark world of a witch trial. A fusion of live electronic music, song, dance, theatre and visual art invites the audience to witness the first stage of the witch hunt: the interrogation.

Inspired by the historical work Malleus Maleficarum, which blamed women for temptation and sin, The Witch’s Mark exposes the deep-seated power structures and societal judgments that oppress marginalized groups. The term “witch’s mark” refers to the ‘devil’s mark’ that was sought on the bodies of women during interrogations as evidence of evil intent. This concept raises questions about how judgments are formed, both in the past and in our contemporary society.

In a time when we are used to being passive spectators on our phones, The Witch’s Mark challenges the audience to consider what they are actually witnessing. Split between a public trial, ritual humiliation and the aftermath of an execution, the performance draws on BDSM culture to explore power dynamics. The audience is invited to go beyond passive observation and reflect on how historical injustices continue to resonate in the present.

About O. Lab

During O. Lab you get a glimpse into the rehearsal space of theatre makers, something that is normally reserved for a select group… Artists share their research questions with you and you as a visitor can give your valuable opinion about the prototypes and works-in-progress that you see. O. Lab in WORM is one big creative space and you have a front row seat to the making process!

About O. Lab

O. Lab offers the audience a peak into the theater makers' rehearsal rooms. Something that is normally reserved for the select few… Artists will share their research questions. As the visitor, you are invited to watch and express your valuable opinions about prototypes and works in progress. O. Lab in WORM is one big creative space and you will be sitting in the front row as the processes unfold!