Laura Bijleveld

I am someone driven by curiosity about everyday stories and situations right on my doorstep, and about the unknown, where I can still learn and discover. I prefer to immerse myself literally in those worlds, even or rather, especially when they are uncomfortable or awkward.

What inspires me
My work is often socially engaged, focusing on human nature and the systems we build around us. Viewing these with a playful, imaginative eye is what inspires my creative process.

What is my ambition or vision for the future?
To always treat my creative practice as a playground: a place for discovery, for exploring and breaking boundaries, for experiencing wonder, for growth and connection and, above all, for continuing to play.

What can you expect to see at the finals?
For my graduation performance, I am venturing down a completely new and uncharted path. I am adapting the book *If Cats Disappeared from the World* by Genki Kawamura into an intimate solo performance. It is a story about loss, family, and remembering what truly matters in modern life and, of course, it features cats.

My research focuses on documentary theatre. While reading, I frequently encountered the word 'truth'—a word that is impossible to ignore these days when following the news or social media. Documentary theatre is a genre that constantly straddles the boundary between fiction and non-fiction, bringing reality into the realm of theatre. I was curious to see how other creators approach making theatre in an era where the question of truth plays such a central role.

Internships:

- De Makkers, *HIER HOREN WIJ* | Co-creator

- Myrthe Krepel | Researcher, creator, and performative designer

- Herman Heijermans Theatre Association | Instructor & director, 'Bries' (ages 8–12)

- Ichtus College Dronten | Intern (1st-year classes) with Ryan Poldner