MEDIATHEK

Needcompany is subsidized by the Flemish Community and supported by the National Lottery. - Needcompany is first and foremost a theatre company, which, since its inception in 1986, has presented itself as markedly international, multilingual and multidisciplinary. It produces both spoken-word and dance theatre. A unique ensemble has been developed over the years; an evolving ensemble, that has created an impressive series of stage productions that have toured the world. Jan Lauwers, the company’s founder and artistic director, has always applied himself to more than one discipline at a time. Although he is best known for his theatrical work, as an artist he has always alternated work with a group of people (‘I need company’) with work in the solitude of his studio, where he concentrates on his visual art and on writing that is often intended for the stage. In addition, Jan Lauwers and Needcompany have also produced a number of video projects and a full-length film. Grace Ellen Barkey, who has been involved with the company since it was founded, has been making her own productions under its wing since 1992, on the borderline where theatre, dance, performance and art meet. These two artists form the heart of Needcompany.