How do you make it ... Robrecht Vanden Thoren

Robrecht Vanden Thoren is an actor, theater maker, and cabaret artist. You may know him as Harry Buts from the television series ‘Tom & Harry’, from his memorable performance in the film ‘Hasta la vista’, or from his appearances in ‘Flikken’, ‘Quiz Me Quick’, ‘Tegen de Sterren op’, ‘Code 37’,…?
With 'Het Derde Oog', Robrecht is on his third monologue.

How do you make it?

Unfortunately, there is no formula for success; otherwise, everyone would do it that way (laughs). For me, it mainly comes down to hard work. But in the solo performances I have created, I have always found it necessary to address a specific theme. In ‘The Highest Mountain,’ it was the story of my divorce and overcoming an emotional deadlock. In ‘Don’t Come Crying Afterwards,’ it was about a man who, after years of absence from the dating world, was confronted with how that world has changed, with the aim of presenting a story that transcends generations. My latest performance, ‘The Third Eye,’ is about the impact of loss, prejudices, and the importance of childhood friends.

A year in advance, I start looking for information that feeds my chosen themes. I test those early on with my coach Martijn Bouwman and my friend Wouter Deprez. Then I let those themes ferment until a few months before the first try-out. At that point, I begin to improvise based on that information, write texts, and create characters and frameworks. This is then structured into a first draft, and that structure is refined up until the premiere.

Why do you create it?

Sometimes it is stronger than myself. I am in love with creating stories. In the imagining, writing, improvising, and searching, I go through a process where I can expand my world. I arrive at new places and gain new insights, which in a certain way gives meaning to my existence. In the sense that through this work I can evoke recognition and perhaps comfort in my audience. And it is often a bit of a taboo among artists because it doesn't sound 'sexy', but there is of course also a financial necessity. It is our job; you have to make a living from it.

With whom do you create it?

I have already mentioned the key figures Martijn Bouwman (coach/director) and Wouter Deprez (creator/comedian/nice person). But sometimes I also seek external advice. I am fortunate to be surrounded by very talented colleagues whom I can always ask to come listen. I also often ask my partner for advice. Part of the vulnerability in my solo work comes from the fact that I like to question myself. To be able to do that safely in a creative process, you need to surround yourself with smart, kind people. I am grateful every day that I have those people in my life.