Make Love or Die is a provocative interdisciplinary performance that reimagines the classic murder ballad, inspired by Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue’s Where the Wild Roses Grow. Belle and The Beats challenges the romanticized portrayal of the crime passionnel, exposing its true nature as systemic violence against women.

The project confronts the cultural and historical roots of male dominance, where, for centuries, women existed largely within the moral and psychological spheres of men, reliant on their structures of power. While movements like the second wave of feminism and #MeToo have redefined gender relations, true equality remains elusive. Why is this imbalance so persistent? And how can men and women navigate the evolving dynamics of power and desire? Make Love or Die boldly explores these questions, presenting this complex reordering in a visceral, theatrical way.

Premiering on November 3–4, 2022, at DOOR Open Space, the performance combines a short film by Rolf van Eijk, live Shibari rope art by Papilicious, and music by Belle and The Beats, composed with Gil Lopez, Eyal Margalit, Alaa Rasheed, and Haian Rasheed, featuring guest artist Davidavi Dolev. Enhanced by visuals from Emanuel Nijkerk, lighting by Jela Nieuwstraten, and costumes by Untitled Rubber and Max Zara, the project was realized under the artistic direction of Xander Straat and Chafik Benhmidouch (DOOR FOUNDATION).

Supported by: Stimulerings Fonds & AFK