Of the Hour of Truth
The Hour of Truth (HOT) is a solo. The performer can be an actor, dancer, singer, stand-up, poet, writer, musician, circus artist, performing artist... But 1 performer, ie not together with your group or your neighbour. The HOT is a solo for professionally trained artists, or artists with professional experience.
1 Object+1 real space. The performer uses a maximum of one self-chosen object - this can also be multiple same objects ie.. 100 chairs, in a real, self-chosen space, i.e. no artificially constructed "stage set". Both the object and the space have no illustrative function, but are antagonists with a story, offering resistance.
The Naked Artist is aware of the spectator's presence. The HoT is not a therapy. Of course, the workshop is a search for your need to play, to share, and very often that has to do with biographical events, sometimes even traumatic experiences. But the aim of the HoT is that you give a performative form to what you want to share, a form that gives you energy, pleasure, and a desire to perform. The HoT helps you, to tap into your creative source, and to find freedom and joy.
The HoT lasts one hour. During this time, the Artist builds suspense, creating curiosity in the spectator about achieving the set goal. Success and failure create a natural rhythm that intensifies the spectator's curiosity.
The HoT arises from an emotional need - a challenge - and the goal of the HoT is to take on that challenge.
Anything can and is allowed, any form. The performer can work with or without text, can dance, sing, speak, lie, paint, recite poetry, write,... provided the rules of (self-)respect are observed.
Music is only performed live by the Artist. CD players, Ghetto blasters, accompanying musicians, etc... are not allowed. The Artist realises everything alone.
The performer works independently. During the application process, HoT artists can receive advice and assistance from former HoT artists via our Discord channel. If the application is accepted, the HoT Artist will be invited to become a HoT Summer Resident or to join an initiation weekend, and receive in-person mentoring from Luk Perceval, Vera Streicher, Ted Stoffer and Rainer Süssmilch.
During the Summer Retreat, the mentors offer different workshops in addition to in-person coaching. These workshops are designed to further develop the solo, and all the solos are presented at the final weekend.
As places are limited, we have to select applicants. So don't hesitate — it's first come, first served!
Will be from 1/7 until 11/7/2027
The HoT Summer Retreat will be held at the beautiful farm of ZarlaDingas, which is a one-hour train journey from Brussels. The slideshow gives you an impression of this special place. To find out more about what the HoT Summer Retreat is like, sign up for our free newsletter and join the Green Room. There, you will have access to our video archive, which contains lots of material from past Summer Retreats.
for a spot at the HoT Workshop and the upcoming Summer Retreat,
you pay the application fee of €150. Please remember that this fee cannot be refunded. (If you're a former Summer Resident who wants to keep working on your HoT, you don't have to pay the application fee. You'll get a discount code to fill in the form. Send us a PM and we'll give you a discount code so you can sign up free of charge.)
Once you have paid the application fee, you will be taken to the application form.
Please fill in the application form.
The application form lets you choose between two options. You can sign up to be a 'summer resident' for the 10-day retreat or a 'weekend guest' for the introductory workshops. You can choose one or both options.
Send us your CV and a short text explaining why you want to take part.
Please also send us your first video for the three video assignments. You'll find the instructions for the video assignments in the application form.
Once you've filled in the form, you'll get access to our green room on Discord. There, you can chat and exchange 24/7 with all the HoT participants, mentors and former HoT artists. Here you'll find support for your assignment videos, and once a month a mentor will host a meet-up.
Make sure you send all the documents and three videos by 1 April 2027. Don't leave it too late, as there are only a few places left.
... and depending on the available spots, you will be invited...
...or as a SUMMER RESIDENT: you will work on your HoT and take part in the workshops during the 10-day Summer Retreat. The total cost of this bundle is €1850.
... or as a WEEKEND GUEST: during the last weekend of the Summer Retreat, where you can attend the final presentation of the HoT solo’s and will be invited to take part in our initiating workshops to learn the tools for the HoT. The fee for the weekend is €350.
The workshops are given by the mentors and are focusing on body & vocal work, mindfulness yoga and writing.
The fee includes lodging, food and the workshops.
You will need to pay for your own travel.
Doubts, questions, suggestions,...
If you've got any questions or would like to discuss participation in more detail, just give us a shout!
Sign up to our Green Room and have a chat with us.
