Mathieu Wijdeven (Tilburg, 1991) is fascinated by the symbiotic relationship that people have with objects. In his work he uses abstract sculptures, inviting his audience to reflect on personal and existential topics. His performance Het waarom beantwoord (Answering the why) premiered in 2021.B

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Biography

The work by theatre maker, scenographer and visual artist Mathieu Wijdeven (1991, Tilburg) begins with him being fascinated by the symbiotic relationship between people and objects. He makes sculptures based on the stories he finds entering into public spaces and having conversations with his audience about the topic. He invites his audience to reflect on personal and existential topics by using abstract art. 

In 2021 his solo performance Het waarom beantwoord (Answering the why) premiered at Productiehuis Theater Rotterdam. After conducting extensive research into the life of his great-great-grandfather, who turned out to be a poet and a versatile artist, he paid tribute to his predecessor G.G.T. Rustwijk (1862-1914) who lived in Surinam just after slavery had been abolished. The performance was selected by the Vlaams Theaterfestival (2022), nominated for the BNG Bank Theatre Award (2022) and it won an award for best playwright: Toneelschrijfprijs (2022). 

Mathieu Wijdeven builds on traditions that are in line with leading theatre makers such as Rufus Collins, Thea Doelwijt and Henk Tjon. He wants to tell stories that perhaps not everybody wants to hear, but are important to be told.