Troubleyn/Jan Fabre and Matthias Schoenaerts have by mutual consultation decided to postpone the creation of the production 'Simon, gangster of art'. Recent developments in Matthias Schoenaerts' international film career have forced him to revise his plans for the stage. A new production period starting in 2014 is being examined.
In 2008 Jan Fabre stepped into the shoes of the notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine (1936-1979) for 'Art Kept me out of jail', his five-hour performance in the Louvre. Mathias Schoenaerts, seen recently as 'Rundskop', will now play a gangster in a new monologue which Jan Fabre has written specially for him. We see a mask that stretches and reaches high above the others. This gangster thinks he is invincible. He behaves as if he is the boss of all bosses, a 'capo di tutti i capi'. As is customary in the code of the Italian mafia, being 'a man of honour' is the highest aim. He balances between ecstasy and ruin. He constantly assumes a new identity and leads the life of a fugitive. The law and prohibition is written by him and with him and in him. The Code is inscribed on his body. Its constant violation stirs our imagination. We fall for his saintly aura and allow ourselves to be seduced by him. So after he has once again exposed himself to danger his punishment becomes our catharsis.