Performing arts festival focusing on new technology

>>> Tue 24 - Sun 29 Nov 2026 <<<

30CC Leuven, NTGent and Cultuurcentrum Brugge proudly present For Real, a brand-new travelling festival that brings together three cities and three theatres around new technologies in the performing arts. 

The first full-scale edition will take place in early 2028. In November 2026, Leuven hosts the beta version: one hyper-dense week of programming in which VR, AI and robotics enter into dialogue with music, theatre and circus, alongside debates, an industry day, installations and a wide range of performances.

programme

Rumi - The Outsider

Wervelend muziektheater met dans, muziek en AI‑videokunst.

di 24 nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Stampede

Varja Hrvatin
A performance that plunges you into the thick of a mad rush, using restaurant pagers as an interactive tool.

Wed 25 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Plum Road Tea Dream_The Performance

Samuel Baidoo
Theatre, gaming and rituals merge to create an immersive, personal and cinematic journey.

Wed 25 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

TECHNO FREAK SHOW

Marina Mazzamuto
A performative exhibition featuring human-machine figures, inspired by Victorian freak shows.

Wed 25, Thu 26 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

LANDI’S CUBE – Situated Bodies

Margherita Landi
In this participatory VR performance, you create your own live choreography.

Fri 27, Sat 28 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Cocon

Cello Octet Amsterdam en Nick Verstand
Eight robotic arms surround eight cellists like a living cocoon.

Fri 27 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Humanitarium

Yoryos Styl
Step into a synthetic human avatar and experience what it means to be human.

Fri 27, Sat 28 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

IMAGO DEI

Robin Jonsson
A quiet and tense encounter between a performer and a humanoid robot.

Fri 27, Sat 28 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Tremens

CREW
Shakespeare’s tragedy is set to become an immersive blend of theatre and virtual reality.

Fri 27, Sat 28 nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

IN-Visible

Nikoletta Dimopoulou
A powerful VR performance exploring gender-based violence.

Fri 27, Sat 28 nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

ERGENS

Schippers&VanGucht
A 180° VR experience about loneliness and the power of connecting with others and being seen. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Sat 28 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

The Last Chapters

URLAND
An intriguing, immersive 3D audio experience.

Sat 28 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

Swan Songs

Ika Schwander
A blend of opera, music and dance, inspired by Johanna Hedva and old protest songs.

Sun 29 Nov 2026 >>> info & tickets

In February 2027, For Real moves to Ghent, featuring among others the world premiere of the deeply human and highly technological Sonder by Yves Degryse, BERLIN & NTGent. At the same time, Bruges hosts the game festival Playtime 20.27.

From 2028 onwards, For Real will take place simultaneously in Ghent, Leuven and Bruges. The three partners are joining forces in a new network dedicated to research, development, reflection and programming.

in collaboration with NTGent, Cultuurcentrum Brugge, Cultuurconnect, Link in de Kabel and Innovation:Lab.

Several performances to be staged in Leuven in November 2026 were selected and co-funded by the Creative Europe project Digital On Stage.