What role do we play as spectators of other people’s pain? And how can women regain their voice and power in a society that oppresses them? The Witch’s Mark by Belle and The Beats takes you on an intense, multi-sensory journey through the dark world of a witch’s trial. A fusion of electronic live music, song, dance, theatre and visual art invites the audience to witness the first stage of the witch’s persecution: the interrogation.

Inspired by the historical work Malleus Maleficarum, which blamed women for seduction and sin, The Witch’s Mark exposes the entrenched power structures and societal judgements that oppress marginalised groups. The term ‘witch’s mark’ refers to the ‘devil’s mark’ sought on women’s bodies during interrogations as evidence of evil intent. This concept raises questions about how judgements are formed, both in the past and in our contemporary society.

At a time when we are used to being passive spectators on our phones, The Witch’s Mark challenges the audience to dwell on what they are really witnessing. Divided into a public trial, ritual humiliation and the aftermath of an execution, this performance draws inspiration from BDSM culture to explore power dynamics. The audience is invited to go beyond passive observation and reflect on how historical injustices continue to resonate in the present.

About O. Lab
During O. Lab, you get a sneak peek into the rehearsal room of theatre makers, something that is normally reserved for a select company… Artists share their research questions and you as a visitor can give your valuable opinion on the prototypes and works-in-progress you see. O. Lab at WORM is one big creative space and you have a front row seat to the creative process!