Othered Bodies

From August 3 to 15, 2026, Daphne Karstens will be artist-in-residence at Plein Theater Productiehuis. During this residency, she will work on her visual research project Othered Bodies, which critically examines the existing order.

Daphne combines sculpture and costume design to create experimental wearable sculptures, costumes, performances, and installations. Her work focuses on exploring materials, forms, and structures on and around the body, integrating unconventional materials. At its core, her practice redefines the boundaries and possibilities of costumes and wearable sculptures, revealing their potential when approached as more than merely functional garments.

Inspired by Sara Ahmed’s Queer Phenomenology, Daphne develops wearable sculptures that carry their own narrative. Through physical and visual dialogues, she investigates what it means to "orient oneself." Performers merge with the sculptures on and around the body, creating new, extra-human movements. As body assemblages, they demonstrate that "the body" is not a simple given but a momentary composition, and thus a representation, of diverse systems. The norms and boundaries of these systems are exposed in Othered Bodies through a shift in perspective.

Daphne will open her studio to the public on August 14 at 20:00. This public presentation marks the conclusion of her two-week residency.

The project is realised in collaboration with:

Concept, wearable sculptures & scenography: Daphne Karstens
Performers: Aaron Faneyte & Eli Verboket
Sound design: Merit Vessies
Dramaturg: Ingrid van Schijndel
Research advice: Rachel Hann
Coaching: Cat Smits