Jan Martens: Passing the Bechdel Test

15 January 2019

Jan Martens’ choreography is a canvas that interweaves the action and speech of teenage performers with an impressive array of feminist texts, figures and thoughts

In Jan Martens’ Passing the Bechdel Test, the title is an action plan. If author Alison Bechdel coined her test in the 1980s to point out narrative sexism, the Belgian choreographer’s new piece is produced in a time where the whole of patriarchal society needs to be observed through giant Bechdel test glasses. Thirteen youngsters between 14 and 19 years old are in charge. They handle the lighting desk, sound controls and take it upon themselves to deliver two-hours’ worth…