Francesco Bekkema

…conducts research on sound production when plants are touched.

While studying at the Maastricht Drama Academy, he was often out and about, writing about what he saw. Common themes were: plants, structure and loneliness. One of the questions he asked himself while walking through Maastricht:

“If you can stimulate plant growth with classical music, can you (then) remove weeds with loud, negative sounds?”

From this flows his research:

How can the (subtle) touch of plants produce sound?

“I’m curious about how an audience can relate to plants that produce sound. Whether there is an interaction with the plants or with people among themselves. Whether there is a multiplicity in this universe, or perhaps a loneliness.”

About Francesco

Francesco Bekkema (b. 1984) is a musical theater maker, a graduate of the Maastricht Drama Academy.

His work is snappy, high paced and multimedia. A bit ADHD, but the multiplicity fits the level of overstimulation we live in. He creates bright worlds and his creations feel young and look fresh.

“In my work, the body is central. Therefore, I look for physical connections and movements that enhance play, improve singing and refine choreography.”

Francesco creates total theater in which all disciplines are equal. Every detail is carefully researched and directed. Through precise composition, deliberate visual imagery and magnified physical behavior, unique worlds are continually created. In these worlds, characters relate to themes of identity, parting and loneliness.