The new production of Wagner’s Parsifal at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen has commenced, marking a significant event in the cultural calendar. Directed by Susanne Kennedy, this interpretation promises to transcend traditional opera experiences, incorporating elements of immersive theatre. Kennedy describes her work as a “cyber-mystery play,” aiming for a sensory encounter that envelops the audience in a collective ritual, reports 24brussels.
Wagner’s composition is positioned around the theme of ritual, a concept Kennedy believes is foundational to both theatre and opera. She asserts that the core of Parsifal promotes inner transformation, forging connections between awareness, independence, and compassion—principles that extend beyond mere entertainment. “I want to delve deeply and go through that process together with others. That’s what opera is about: it’s a ritual we can celebrate together,” she explained.
Furthermore, Kennedy contends that opera singers are not tasked with portraying psychological realism, but rather conveying emotion through sound. This concept reshapes the audience’s understanding of opera, moving it away from literal narratives towards a realm of symbolic resonance. In this light, Parsifal becomes a reflective journey, inviting attendees to confront their own “sick king” and engage in healing throughout the performance.
In addition to Parsifal, the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp is hosting the exhibit Women’s Affairs / Business Women until January 11, 2026. The exhibition illuminates the contributions of women in a historically male-dominated printing industry over 300 years, showcasing their achievements along with their male counterparts. It features rare letters and diaries that restore the narratives of underestimated figures, displaying their vital roles in shaping the family business.
Notably, the Plantin-Moretus family’s legacy reveals that women were not merely support figures but active players in trade and company leadership. The exhibition promotes artists like Maria Segers, whose work captures the essence of everyday life with grace and simplicity, reinforcing the importance of women’s stories throughout history.
Concurrently, Villa Empain in Brussels is presenting the Fire exhibition from September 25 to March 1, 2026. This event assembles around 50 modern and contemporary artists who explore the dual nature of fire—a force for both creation and destruction. Through various mediums, including sculpture and photography, the exhibition examines fire’s historical significance across cultures as well as its symbolic and sensory implications.
Artist Michiko Van de Velde, featured in the exhibition, is preparing to unveil her largest work to date during this showcase, underlining the event’s commitment to celebrating contemporary artistic expressions while addressing elemental themes. The exploration of fire’s complexities invites viewers to contemplate its multifaceted role in human experience.