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,Centro Cultural de Belém and Internationaal Theater Amsterdam.

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

“Siddhartha“ by Hermann Hesse

Cast

concept, libretto & direction
- Lisaboa Houbrechts
Based on the book by
- Hermann Hesse
Composition
- Caroline Shaw
Musical Direction
- Christian Balvig
With
- Meskerem Mees,
- Shantala Shivalingappa,
- Claron McFadden,
- Milēna Miškēviča,
- Casper Clausen,
- Samuel Mariño,
- Ustadma Zila Khan
Choir
- Lettischer Rundfunkchor
Conductor
- Kaspars Putnins
Composition, Vocals and Harmonium
- Ustadma Zila Khan
Soundscape
- Casper Clausen
Assistent Soundscape
- Brecht Beuselinck
Music dramaturgy
- Anna Chernomordik
Set Design
- Sammy Van den Heuvel
Costumes
- Oumar Dicko
Lighting Design
- Fabiana Piccioli
Directors assistant
- Teuntje Wolters
Movement
- Laura Neyskens
Internship set
- Aak van Zessen
Translation to English
- Martine Bom
Executive Producer
- Toneelhuis
Artistic Production Manager
- Kristien Borgers,
- Katinka De Belder
Technical Direction
- Diederik Suykens,
- Filip Timmerman
Sound Engineer
- Jeroen Kenens
Light
- Lies van Loock
Stage Operator
- Ward Van Den Bossche
Stage Technician
- Victor Boni
Dresser on Tour
- Kathleen Van Mechelen,
- Monique Van Hassel
Technical Project Manager Ruhrtriennale
- Clemens Sippel
Technician
- Petar Georgiev
Dressing and Costume Team Ruhrtriennale
- Chantal Baumann,
- Marion Felix-Groll,
- Sinja Höcker,
- Ella Stolzenberg
Hair and Makeup Team Ruhrtriennale
- Pia Norberg,
- Mathilda Egels,
- Manuela Heukamp,
- Ulrich Ritter,
- Melanie Schulte-Holtey

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, Riga Investment and Tourism Agency.

Audio introduction

SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts © Kurt Van der Elst, Ruhrtriennale 2026
SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts © Caroline Seidel, Ruhrtriennale 2026
SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts © Caroline Seidel, Ruhrtriennale 2026
SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts. Shantala Shivalingappa © Kurt Van der Elst, Ruhrtriennale 2026
SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts. Milēna Miškēviča, Meskerem Mees (f.l.t.r.) © Kurt Van der Elst, Ruhrtriennale 2026
SIDDHARTHA, director: Lisaboa Houbrechts © Caroline Seidel, Ruhrtriennale 2026