One of Deradicalizing the City main objectives’ is to think of new ways of inquiry regarding the issues of securitization and increased control over marginalized communities. This had led our team to an increased interest into artistic methodologies, in the hope that it would help us think of and express otherwise what has often been over-researched by journalists or academics.

One of the main dynamics within the project that explores the hybridation between research and arts is about to come to fruition. For more than a year, we have been collaborating with the theatrical company Ras el-Hanout, which is based in Molenbeek. This partnership has notably resulted in Souhaïla Amri, a researcher and artist from Ras el-Hanout, joining our team. Together, we have been working on a theatrical play aiming at shedding light on the anti-radicalization apparatus and its effects on individuals and communities.

This play is called “Présumé(e)s coupables”. It follows a series of real stories that were shared with us during the last few months. It also intends to raise the question of how to deal collectively with such cases of repression and stigmatization (you can find infra a small summary of the play). The dates for the play are May 19th, 21st, 22nd, 26th, 27th, 28th. It will take place at L’épicerie, Rue du Ruisseau 17/19, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. You can find all additional information at the following link : https://ras-el-hanout.be/spectacle/presumees-coupables/.