Marleen Hendricks

A theatrical concert about identity, agency and queer joy. 

As an intersex theatre maker, Marleen Hendrickx presents a story that is new, enlightening and confrontational for many people. In this intimate bedroom concert, she lends her voice and body to all the characters surrounding Herculine Barbin, the nineteenth-century intersex person whose unique life story has been preserved. She switches between Barbin, the men who told her story, and herself. Through music, dance, live video and a voice modulator, the physical performer Marleen returns the reins to their rightful owner and bestows upon Herculine unexpected queer joy.

Enfin, Barbin. is a playful yet incisive celebration of the self, precisely when the world is trying to categorise you. For Marleen, it is a necessary follow-up to her award-winning solo piece X Y I, named ‘Critics’ Choice’ by Theaterkrant. In the performance, she combines an intellectual and scientific interest with a playful, seemingly naïve attitude. Her work blends documentary elements with visual power. In doing so, her theatre transcends mere factual communication, creating a multi-layered, sensory experience.

Marleen Hendrickx has previously appeared at Cultura Nova as a creator and performer in productions by Stormkamer. This year, too, Marleen is collaborating with Stormkamer to gather stories from residents of Heerlen.