The musical theatre performance ‘The Universal Empire’ evolves around two Anabaptist commune members whose lives are transformed by an unexpected encounter with the visionary poet William Blake. Elements of set design are infused with the energy and atmosphere of a live performance, carrying the essence of the production into scenographic elements. The interplay between these elements helps bridge the immersive world of the stage with the visual storytelling present in the exhibition space.

Directed and conceived by Mikołaj Sobczak with composition and lyrics by Mira Thompson, as well as choreography by Adam Russell-Jones, the ‘The Universal Empire’ is co-produced by ROZENSTRAAT, Amsterdam, and Jester | Flanders Arts Institute, Genk. Starring Adam Russell-Jones, Sara France Tompkins and Mira Thompson. Featuring costumes by Samir Duratovi.