Playground

Audry Cottin commemorates the act of ‘claqueing’: in yesteryear, theatres hired spectators to applaud and guarantee a production’s success. The ‘claque’ had its heydays during the 19th century. However, the handclaps by the Leuven Clapping Group and the applause after a theatre play are not the same. After a performance, people want to show their appreciation and enthusiasm. The Leuven Clapping Group clap their hands on different moments and with no exact purpose. Why do they clap their hands? Is it a symbolic gesture? The Clapping Group makes us think about the complex social gesture we know as applause.

Join the Leuven Clapping Group and perform with them during Playground! Contact Evelyn Simons for more information.