“For ten years, thirty years, for more than a century, theatre makers have been searching for the ultimate representation of the city as a whole. Honderd by Bart Van Nuffelen and Ruud Gielens – with, at the end, one hundred residents of Antwerp’s Bisschoppenhoflaan on stage – comes very close. As far as I’m concerned, this theatrical documentary is the smash hit of the season. So simple, so beyond the pale!” – Wouter Hillaert, Pzazz, 17 June 2024

After the premiere, a small version of Honderd went on tour with only Slongs (Charissa Parassiadis) and Scale (Kris Strybos). Because of the many emotionally charged reactions to the unique evening in the Bourla, however, Martha!tentatief, Toneelhuis and theater arsenaal have decided to present the one-off version in the Bourla again on 3, 4 and 5 April 2025. Honderd is a large-scale and complex production, both in terms of logistics and finances. The fact that we now are able to perform Honderd again in the version with the one hundred residents is only possible because of the support of Buysse & Partners. This remarkable collaboration between three theatre companies and a private player brings the story of a street on the fringes of the city back to where it belongs: in the heart of the city and the centre of attention.

Collaboration with Buysse & Partners: more than financial support

Buysse & Partners, an independent investment firm in Antwerp, has made the reprise of Honderd possible through its support. With its residential real estate fund, Buysse & Partners strives for professionalization of the private rental market for affordable housing of good quality. It does this under the name ‘Jack’ and focuses on population centres such as Brussels and Antwerp. Buysse & Partners also has an apartment building with 35 units on the Bisschoppenhoflaan in Antwerp’s Deurne district, where Honderd took its inspiration. As a result, the investment firm is very familiar with the challenges and possibilities of this neighbourhood.

The theatre production Honderd, which sheds light on the life and stories of the residents of this neighbourhood, made a deep impression. When Guy Mertens, a partner at Buysse & Partners, heard about the production, he decided to get in touch with Bart Van Nuffelen, one of the moving spirits behind the show.

“When I read about the project after the first performance, I was extremely moved by the way in which the residents and their stories were brought to light. As investors in this neighbourhood, we were curious to see how we could work with the insights from the show and keep attention focused on the area,” says Guy Mertens. “During a meeting with Bart Van Nuffelen, it turned out that the team dreamed of doing the show again with the entire cast, but lacked the necessary funding. Within Buysse & Partners, we accordingly did not hesitate to support this initiative, both financially and logistically, and also were able to convince our partners EY and Geert Lybeer to contribute to it.”

“This reprise would not have been possible without the financial support of Buysse & Partners,” adds Bart Van Nuffelen from Martha!tentatief. “I am very happy that as a result of this collaboration we are able to share this ‘story from the fringes of the city’ with an audience again.”

Contributing to a lasting impact

Buysse & Partners is aware that malpractices exist in some segments of the residential rental market. In its own approach, the firm focuses on quality, energy efficiency and tenant satisfaction. Buysse & Partners additionally dedicates itself to contributing to social cohesion and strengthening the neighbourhoods where it operates. The idea of reprising Honderd fits in perfectly with this vision. Buysse & Partners therefore decided not only to offer financial support for the reprisal of Honderd but also logistical help. For example, its employees agreed to transport the decor, bring residents to the Bourla and help out with the reception.

Not only does the show offer a unique look at the diversity and dynamics of the Bisschoppenhoflaan, it also opens the door to a broader social dialogue. “We believe in the power of projects that connect people and stimulate a sense of community. Honderd is such a project,” adds Guy Mertens. “The fact that this show can also inspire our investors and get them thinking about the social aspect of the real estate makes it extra valuable.”

Thanks to the support of Buysse & Partners, the entire cast of Honderd can take to the stage again in 2025. As a result, the stories of the Bisschoppenhoflaan will have another chance to be heard and the impact of this unique production will continue to live on.

A social/artistic mirror

Honderd is more than a show. It is an ode to a street often labelled as a ‘problem district’. By bringing one hundred residents to the stage, director Ruud Gielens and theatre maker Bart Van Nuffelen invite us to look beyond the clichés. The script, based on hundreds of talks with the residents recorded by Pauline Augustyn, presents stories of loss, hope and resilience.

For the participants themselves, Honderd is a unique experience. Resident Jos De Schepper calls it “A homage to my son that I lost years ago. I feel his story is being heard for the first time.” Testimonies such as this reveal how theatre can contribute to a sense of self-worth and recognition.

The Bisschoppenhoflaan and the city of tomorrow

Honderd trains the spotlight on urban fringes and points up challenges such as gentrification and social exclusion. What does the future hold for neighbourhoods like the Bisschoppenhoflaan in a city in transition? Art may not be able to save the world, but it can draw attention to forgotten stories and invisible lives.