CASTL (8+)

We have always lived in the castle.
Change is coming,
and no one knows it
except me.

CASTL introduces the peculiar, secretive Doenkerbos family, who live tucked away on a secluded estate at the edge of the village. Once they were seven; now only three remain. Four relatives were mysteriously poisoned, and ever since, the villagers eye the family with suspicion and fear. Only Meerkat dares to venture beyond the gates - Meerkat, who prefers dangerous mushrooms, mad kings and spells over the company of her cousin Sjarel. Constance loves both her sister and Sjarel. Uncle Julian loves writing - and certainly not Sjarel. And when Sjarel begins to behave strangely, the castle’s long‑buried tensions erupt. Welcome to CASTL.

We are thrilled to welcome Stef Lernous back to hetpaleis. With Abattoir Fermé he created the unforgettable Bangerik and Groezel, and now he turns his gaze once more to those who struggle to find their place among others. His theatre vibrates with dark tension: he makes audiences shiver, only to move them moments later. His path to love winds through the shadows.

Based on the final novel by American master of the uncanny Shirley Jackson, CASTL brings her chilling world to the Flemish stage for the very first time - complete with a stellar cast and a story where mystery, menace and fragile affection intertwine.