Two women involuntarily share a prison cell: a young activist arrested after an illegal protest and a woman who murdered her boyfriend. Their forced togetherness begins at odds, but as the nights pass, they share their fears and hopes. They get into a conversation about what things in life are worth fighting for, and how far you can and should go in doing so. What is freedom? And what are you willing to give them up for? Their shared confinement becomes an inner journey that will change them both forever.

Notwehr is simultaneously playful and moving, light and dark. The performance brings together old and new music: Banchieri’s madrigal cycle La barca di Venezia a Padua echoes the past and the outside world, weaving itself between composer Annelies Van Parys’ new music.

“The singers bring a poignant story about two female prisoners. Emotionally strong and musically shuttling between old and new music. Moving.” – Guy Coolen, artistic director O.