Rif's Open Studio = unique opportunity to discover a work-in-progress by our residents in an informal setting. Admission is free and there is no need to book.

Welcome to the open studio of the new musical theatre performance of the Intercontinental Ensemble.

Those who believe in nothing can be anything.

In an increasingly chaotic and incomprehensible world, the legendary Tijl Uilenspiegel returns. The infamous medieval jester, anarchist and freedom fighter who has been challenging power with humour and chaos for centuries. Humour disrupts, pierces through masks and exposes pain points. But what if the joke is no longer a means to reveal the truth, but a way to bend reality to your will?

As extremists manipulate the truth through memes and the world's most powerful men elevate provocation to a strategy, in this development track we explore how the iconic figure of Till can be revived in the present. What if the jester is no longer the outsider, but becomes part of the system he mocks?

This residency gives us the space to explore Till's physical, musical and dramaturgical language. With new music inspired by Richard Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche and the many medieval folk tales, we seek to create a contemporary narrative that fuses music, circus and dance. In this way, we aim to dissect Till and translate it into the 21st century: an age of activism and fake news, of bitcoin millionaires and populists, of yoga gurus and conspiracy theories. Till adapts effortlessly. Because those who don't believe in anything can be anything. He mocks, pierces the lie and moulds the truth-until we ourselves become the target.

It was just for laughs... right?

“Till” will be a multidisciplinary project commemorating the legendary knave Till Uilenspiegel for the 21st century. The project combines classical music, circus arts, dance and theatre to explore themes of humour, chaos and freedom.