Reconstruction of a (non-existent) grieving process

In 1991, Katrien Claes, the sister of Barbara and Stefanie Claes, passed away following a long illness from an incurable brain tumour. Katrien was twelve, and her twin sisters Barbara and Stefanie were eight. 

When events are too profound, different scenarios unfold. With the tragedy and silence that marked her life story, theatre maker Barbara Claes wanted to write a new scenario. One that faces the bare facts, but dares to counter them with imagination, humour and, above all, solace. ‘Katrientje’ is a reconstruction through the eyes of the child she was back then, at a time when there was hardly any attention paid to the grieving process. 

Thursday 28 May 2026 at 8.00 pm at the Dr. Guislain Museum
Tickets: €12–€25 via VierNulVier
Produced by Lucinda Ra

“It’s a shame that Katrien has faded into the background within the family. Someone may fade away, but they don’t disappear.”

Barbara Claes

Text and performance: Barbara Claes - Cast: Stefanie Claes, Ineke Nijssen, Dett Peyskens and Mieke Verdin - Visuals: Mario Debaene - Production: Barbara Claes and Lucinda Ra - Co-production: NTGent and VIERNULVIER - With the support of Dr. Guislain Museum, the Flemish Community and Literatuur Vlaanderen - With thanks to Rémi Decker and Good Company