Mesdames et Messieurs, bienvenue! Welcome to the 1680s. In the new baroque-wave musical 'Beyond The Ball,' Collectief Aqueerius presents the pink revolution of the French Baroque. Forget the Sun King; this libretto centers on Julie d’Aubigny, better known as Madame de Maupin.
Julie d'Aubigny was an opera diva, a master duelist, and above all, an untamed rebel. As a queer icon avant la lettre, she fought with both her voice and her sword against the suffocating social classes and norms of her time. While conquering the hearts of many men and women, she claimed her own place in history. This performance takes you on a ‘ratgirl summer’ in Versailles, based on a true story so exciting it will make your ears turn ruby red.
Collectief Aqueerius, formed by Charlotte Dommershausen, Seppe Salomé, and Jip Warmerdam, is known for innovative queer electropop musicals. They balance on the campy waves between art and kitsch, inspired by contemporary pop culture, science, and a fascination with history. Under the final direction of Nina Spijkers, they create a universe where the traditional gender norms of theater are definitively broken.
The result is a feel-good experience full of danceable songs and a critical bridge to current events. The bisexual energy bursts from the stage in an original, hilarious, and brilliantly crafted production that rewrites history.
"The bisexual energy is palpable in this campy mini-musical... it has the potential to become the hit of the summer festivals."
"Aqueerius creates incredibly clever musical theater, is highly original, and also hilarious."