Sustainability
Sustainability has a central place within Oorkaan. The design, choice of materials and processing of set, costume, props and lighting technology are made as sustainable as possible, with reusable materials and the possibility of reuse. Additional budget and time are allocated for this purpose. Examples in past productions include the commission to Morgana Machado Marques to design a set that can be used for at least two different productions; Esra Copur's costumes for 'Whoop Whoop(s) 'and that of Leila el Alaoui for 'Dawn' that are made entirely from existing second-hand clothing. We prefer to choose durable and lightweight materials that can be reused or even borrowed.
Did you know... the sun in the setting of Dew is dyed with turmeric?
"The conversation about sustainability both in décor and costumes I have only experienced so far at Oorkaan. A method every creator is allowed to relate to."
Sustainable production
Within Europe, we travel by train whenever possible, and extra time and money are allocated for that as well. Unfortunately, for the longer distances, train traffic is not always reliable and we are sometimes forced to fly. Oorkaan compensates for this by setting aside a percentage of the cost of each air trip starting in 2023 and investing in our environmental transition. We have started to quantify CO2 emissions for our operations using the environmental barometer. Based on this, we can set measurable goals to make our environmental transition even sharper and faster.
From the beginning of a production according to we the Theatre Green Book and the Choice Model Sustainable Production of the NAPK. All involved are informed from the beginning that time and resources are made available for the sustainable production of our concerts. The production of printed matter has been greatly reduced. Required quantities are coordinated with concert and theater venues so that no more paper is used than necessary.
During the creative process and tours, we offer vegetarian meals to cast & crew. Also at our office eat a vegetarian lunch, separate waste and buy sustainable products in. Commuting is by bike and train as much as possible, or by electric transport if possible.
Did you know that... we have stopped the handing out flowers during premieres? Instead, we give cast & crew beautiful plants that can be left at home permanently.
"It's quite a challenge to work around something or completely deconstruct something to get the result you want, but in return you get a very layered garment with much more feeling."
Costumes of Tempo by Romy van Eijk
Tempo's costumes were designed by Romy van Eijk (LoGoCoMo). Her motto: Fabric waste turned dopamine dressing. Romy gives a glimpse into her process:
"I work with fabric remnants as much as possible. Anything I find in attics, old inventory, marketplace, and bankruptcies that get bought up. I then try to turn these fabric remnants into dopamine dressing. By wearing clothes you feel good in, you can boost your mood and self-confidence.
What I did at Oorkaan was to search online for sustainable fabrics and deadstock (old stock). Robbrecht's suit, for example, consists of all old jeans from the thrift store. All five suits have different origins. The shoes I bought all secondhand through Vinted.
I love it when clothes are joyful and exaggerated. I combine simple shapes with nice embellishments and use a lot of color. I think that goes well with Pace. It's a lot of fun to sit in the room as a seven-plus and see an explosion of color. My intention is to celebrate people, I think it's important that people realize that wearing clothes is allowed to be fun."
Photography: Bart Grietens and Jules van Iperen.