Stories from the Theater: 
Luc & Véronique about their love for each other, for the Theater, and CUBO (DUO).

The Schouwburg is a place for meeting: everyone knows that. But that lovers get to know each other there is probably less known. Meet Kortrijk residents Luc (68) and Véronique (67), who met 48 years ago in our Schouwburg. She as an actress in the operetta ‘Sissi’ with the Lyrical Theater, he as a spectator from the fire brigade box. They have now been married for 44 years and are loyal CUBO DUO members who have attended quite a few performances.

Tell us about your first meeting?

Véronique: “My sister had been involved with the Lyrical Theater for several years. When she stopped, I took over with my twin brother, and I enjoyed doing that for six years. My role as a page in the operetta 'Sissi' has certainly stuck with me, because that’s when I met Luc. He was watching from the fire brigade's box while I was on stage." 

Luc: “My father was responsible for fire safety at the time. So, it’s been ingrained in me: whenever we go to a performance, I always check where the emergency exits are first (laughs).”

Véronique: “However, our first conversation only took place at De Middenstand, the former café on Langesteenstraat. I was there for a rehearsal and Luc came to play billiards. He asked if I wanted something to drink, and I asked for a cola. 'I won't pay for that,' he said, 'but I will treat you to a Geuze.'

I immediately replied: "Why ask me what I want if you can't give it to me?"

Luc: “And that sparked my interest right away, because I don’t want a yes-sayer. I want a woman who knows what she wants.”

Véronique: “We kept running into each other in the Kortrijk community life. Once, we went to see the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' at the former Pentascoop, when Luc suddenly grabbed my hand. I pushed him away, saying: 'I'm here for the movie!'” 

So the spark didn’t ignite immediately?

Luc: “It took another three years before we started something, but now we have been married for 44 years. Our interest in culture and performing arts has only grown over the years: we have both been coming to the theater for about 48 years now. The genres we enjoy range from contemporary dance to comedy and music. We also love spectacle and amateur theater, but we are equally moved by small-scale and new things. We like to support artists and companies that are at the beginning of their careers. That’s why CUBO is completely our thing.”

What has CUBO specifically initiated for you? 

Véronique: “Since it was launched, the venues for performances by new creators have been noticeably fuller. It feels good to support something in that way while also discovering new things. We see even more than before, and we already saw a lot. Because we quickly catch something that we don’t know at all. 

We are very happy with CUBO. When we applaud, it’s not just for the actors, but also for the staff and all the employees of the theater. If you have enjoyed all that beauty for 48 years, that’s certainly in order.”

Can you pick a CUBO performance that has stayed with you?

Véronique: "'Voyeur' by Verona Verbakel made an incredible impression on me. Such a personal and sincere story, it really resonated. It’s remarkable how a performance by and with one actress can grip you so tightly. Afterwards, I spoke with her for another half hour. What openness.”