SIDDHARTHA

Music theatre

10.9.-13.9.2026

Maschinenhalle Zweckel

A Journey to Enlightenment

Shielded from all suffering, Siddhartha’s life is predetermined for him. An inner voice urges him to leave. He travels many of life’s paths before finding fulfilment in life’s contradictions. The protagonist of Hermann Hesse’s novel is not the historical Buddha, but a human being with fears, flaws and quiet hopes. With Hesse’s book in her pocket, Lisaboa Houbrechts – one of the most exciting international directors – rediscovered herself in India during the pandemic. In her adaptation of the novel she unveils a polyphony that unites arts and cultures, reimagines characters and plays with gender roles. The protagonist is portrayed by singer-songwriter Meskerem Mees. Held together by the music of composer Caroline Shaw, performed by a 24-member choir, SIDDHARTHA combines theatre, classical voices, pop improvisations, Sufi songs and Indian dance.

Produced by Toneelhuis Antwerp and KVS Brussels in co-production with Ruhrtriennale, Dailes Theatre Latvia and Maison de la Culture d'Amiens.

„Seeking means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal.“

“Siddhartha“ by Hermann Hesse

Cast

Konzept, Text, Regie
- Lisaboa Houbrechts
Based on the book by
- Hermann Hesse
Composition
- Caroline Shaw
Musical Direction
- Christian Balvig
With
- Meskerem Mees,
- Shantala Shivalingappa,
- Claron McFadden,
- Oumar Dicko,
- Lisaboa Houbrechts / Milēna Miškēviča,
- Casper Clausen,
- Samuel Mariño,
- Zila Khan
Choir
- Lettischer Rundfunkchor
Conductor
- Kaspars Putnins
Soundscape
- Brecht Beuselinck,
- Casper Clausen
Set Design
- Sammy Van den Heuvel
Costumes
- Oumar Dicko
Lighting Design
- Fabiana Piccioli
Sound Design
- Jeroen Kenens
Music dramaturgy
- Anna Chernomordik
Translation to English
- Martine Bom
Executive Producer
- Toneelhuis

Supporters Ruhrtriennale

Supported by Ammodo Art.

With the support of the Representation of Flanders in Germany.

Further supporters

With support of Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government via Gallop Tax Shelter.

Bring Your Friends

Come to Ruhrtriennale 2026 with your friends! With our Bring Your Friends promotion, you will receive up to three additional tickets with a 50 % discount on each full-price ticket for SIDDHARTHA on 13 Sept. Tickets can be purchased in our webshop.