As you like it – Solo

A sensual interplay unfolds in this performance between the visible and the hidden, between desire, vulnerability and the cultural connotations of nudity. Mirte Bogaert’s body invites the audience to explore their own gaze, as voyeurism, beauty, objectification and tension alternate. Drawing on research into the female nude, cultural norms and Japanese striptease theatre, As you like it – Solo questions the boundaries of what it means to see and be seen. Who is in control and who is being objectified? Who is watching, and who is being watched?

The solo performance is the culmination of more than two years of artistic research. Bogaert travelled to Japan, among other places, to study how Western ideals have influenced Japanese perspectives on nudity and sexuality, particularly at the beginning of the Meiji period and after the Second World War. Shaped by encounters and dialogues during various residencies in Asia, the project brings together different perspectives on body politics. A selection of this source material and the context of the research are presented in the gallery in a compact exhibition, providing greater insight into the background, the creative process and the various versions of As you like it – Solo.

Credits

Concept, choreography and performance Mirte Bogaert Music selection and curator Ive Stevenheydens Remix and sound design Stephan Meidell Dramaturgical discussion partners Avni Sethi, Gulli Sekse Costume design Nayaritas Tailor-Designer Previous collaboration and contribution Ryoya Fudetani (lighting design) With the support of Charleroi Danse (BE), FFUK (NO), Arts and Culture Norway: Government Grants for Artists – work grant (NO), Arts and Culture Norway: Audio and visual Fund (NO) Residences Charleroi Danse (BE), BUDA (BE),  Bergen Dansesenter (NO), Samvirket PreForm Fjaler (NO) With thanks to Lucius Romeo Fromm, Sølvi Katrine Andersen, Kyoko Iwaki, Hussein Chalayan, Marit Sandsmark, Iver Findlay, Jennifer Merlyn Scherler, Floris Bogaert, Luca Domenico Artus, Bjørnar Skaar Haveland, Mai Lisa Guinoo and Adrian Bartczak, Marleen Baeten en Ludo Bekker, Nanako Matsumoto, Ryonosuke Endo and Sachi Masuda 

As you like it was part of Forecast Forum 2025 (DE)