R.I.O.T.
R.I.O.T. is an interdisciplinary performance created at Theater Rotterdam. Developed during a period of global unrest and isolation, the work explores the inner and collective dynamics of uprising as transformation. For the livestream edition the stage expands into the city and the camera becomes an active force: observing, controlling, but also reclaiming agency.
“It is about the mechanisms behind uprising and the strength that emerges when people unite.”
surveillance, ritual and collective resistance
R.I.O.T. (Ready In Order To) is an interdisciplinary performance in collaboration with Alida Dors in which uprising is explored as a living system. For this work, Ruben Van Leer developed a scenographic and cinematic language where stage, camera and media architecture merge into one responsive environment. Modular screen towers, live feeds and mobile image surfaces form a fragmented visual network; echoing systems of surveillance, categorization and control.
Within this constructed grid, the perspective continuously shifts. The camera becomes an active force: observing, dissecting, but also reclaiming intimacy. Riot shields turn into carriers of counter-narratives, while exposed cables, light structures and technological fragments reveal the mechanics behind the image and the systems that shape perception.
Opposing this digital rigidity, organic and symbolic elements emerge: a radiant moon-like form, infrared bodies, microscopic gestures. These introduce another dimension; one of memory, ritual and inner transformation.
R.I.O.T. unfolds as a choreography between control and release, system and body, isolation and collective force. Rather than depicting protest, the work asks what comes after: how individuals become a group, and how that group can move forward.
“We didn’t want to just put a camera in front of a stage - we wanted to create a new form between theatre and film.”
credits
| Concept / Choreography | Alida Dors |
| Scenography / Video | Ruben van Leer |
| Dramaturgy | Peggy Olislaegers, Jappe Groenendijk |
| Performance | |
| Assistant Choreography | Donna Chittick |
| Dancers |
Fiona Dekkers Cheroney Pelupessy Xander van den Corput Giorgio Costa Darion Thompson Sergy Hristo Oralo Sebico Dylan Kuyper Dietje Breaker Thu Hang Pham Anna Raiola |
| Visuals | |
| Riot Shields Design | Barnaby Monk |
| Digital Systems | RNDR Studio — Edwin Jakobs, Boyd Rotgans |
| Camera & Livestream | |
| Livestream Direction | Ruben van Leer |
| Livestream Production | Andrea van Bussel |
| Livestream Partner | Bas Meuleman — Bocavista |
| Technical | |
| Head of Technical | John Thijssen |
| Stage Manager | Sidney van Geest |
| Lighting Design | Axel Dikkers |
| Sound Design | Arjen Fortuin |
| Music & Sound | |
| Multi Instrumentalist | Simone Giacomini |
| Percussion | Vernon Chatlein |
| Poetry | Saul Williams |
| Production | |
| Production | Theater Rotterdam |
| Head of Artistic Bureau | Maurice Dujardin |
| Production Manager | Angelique van Beckhoven |
| Marketing Lead | Astrid de Haas |
| Costume | |
| Costume Design | Karin van der Leeuw |
| Costume | Erik Bosman |
filmmaker & media-artist
