“Can I connect you?”. More than 50 years ago, telephone operators connected callers at cruising speed. Crackling conversations were established through an intricate system of cables. According to strict telephone etiquette, the switch ladies themselves were not allowed to laugh or talk to each other. It was even forbidden to whisper and they were certainly not allowed to listen in on telephone conversations. While they interacted with the world, mutual communication was strictly forbidden. This exciting friction is the starting point for the new dOFt performance FOON.

In FOON, we follow three telephone operators at the switchboard: channel in and out, more, faster, without stop, never enough. The agitation of incoming calls creates a nervous and impatient atmosphere. The switchboard operators live in a factory-like world where they repeat the same actions over and over again. The more they connect others, the more they lose themselves… The (human) machines overheat and everything falls silent. They, who always connect people, are thus forced to connect with each other for the first time. The fear of silence gives way to the power of connection.

FOON is a dynamic, surprising and playful dance-theatre performance where text, movement, music, acrobatics and installation work flow together. Choreographer Piet Van Dycke & theatre maker Jonas Vermeulen, together with three physical actors, create a poetic and visual experience for everyone aged 6 and up about the (r)evolution from I-she to we.