Arno Verbruggen

HYACINTH is a choreographic research project by Arno Verbruggen and Benoît Couchot, inspired by the myth of Apollo and Hyacinthus. Through duet work, the project explores intimacy, trust, desire and loss between two bodies in contact. HYACINTH explores how bodies can care for, transform and disrupt one another. The myth serves as a poetic starting point for reflecting on queer sensuality, masculinity and vulnerability in relation to the outside world. HYACINTH is taking shape as an evolving studio research project during residencies in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Please note:

• This year, for the first time, you can buy tickets online in advance for all container performances taking place before 5.00 pm.
• On each day of the festival, tickets for performances after 5.00 pm on that day will also go on sale online – and at the ticket points on the festival site.

Arno Verbruggen (they/them, 1997) is a Brussels-based interdisciplinary artist, choreographer and performer. Following their training at Codarts Rotterdam, they worked at Club Guy & Roni / Poetic Disasters Club and Aura Dance Theatre (LT). Since 2020, Arno has been developing an independent practice spanning dance, performance, text and fashion. They have collaborated with artists and organisations such as Maison the Faux, Romeo Castelluci, Moniek Merkx, Mart van Berckel (NITE) and Teddy’s Last Ride. Their solo performance SODOM premiered in 2025 at the Grand Theatre Groningen and is touring internationally. Arno is currently developing the research project HYACINTH, which explores mythology, queer sensuality and tragedy.