Inauguration Maison Gertrude
Un centre d’art en maison de repos

Mohamed El Khatib

Led by Mohamed El Khatib, artiste associé au Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, this project, which has been in the making since 2023, will be unveiled to the general public. It is a rather unique project, involving opening up the space of the nursing home to artists and the public and showing works of art there: photography, installation, text, video, drawing, collage and performance. All these works grew out of the meetings organized between a dozen artists working in different fields and the residents of Sainte-Gertrude, such a singular house. With the Sainte-Gertrude art centre, the theatre expands to include the city and the world, the endless world of artistic languages, creating an opening in the life of places that are seen as enclosed spaces. Places that may not be all that different from a theatre, in fact: Sainte-Gertrude too is full of stories and characters, performances and interpretations, backstage areas and public areas. So it is easy to see why the Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles wanted to get involved and tell the world all about it. On 23 May, it will be up to us to push open the doors of the home for a two-day fun-filled inauguration.

Gertrude's Parade

The giantess Gertrude will make her very first appearance in the Marolles! Born in the neighborhood’s retirement home, the Sainte-Gertrude Residence, with the artistic support of Şengül Özdemir, she will proudly parade alongside the majorettes. Gertrude embodies the popular, rebellious, and generous spirit of the Marolles and the Residence. Come and give her the warm welcome she deserves!

Dance Party with DJ Set

To celebrate two years of connections between the Sainte-Gertrude Residence, the artists of the Théâtre National, and Mohamed El Khatib’s team, this DJ set will be a moment of festivity, dancing, and sharing.

Designed for the Residence’s eclectic audience — residents, caregivers, entertainers, hospitality staff, artists, and visitors — the evening will blend styles and generations: rock, disco, raï, great hits, and today’s sounds will set the dance floor on fire, whatever your taste or age.

An invitation to let yourself be carried away and to celebrate together the achievement of this human and artistic adventure... with more to come!