Experience

BEYOND DARKLANDS 2026 | Beyond Classic: Fatal Attraction ‘classic meets fetish’ concert at AMUZ, Antwerp, Thursday 5 March

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For 2026, Darklands transforms into Beyond Darklands, having to rework the Waagnatie venue in Antwerp. Belgium‘s major kink and fetish festival mostly geared towards men who have sex with men will now work with multiple floors. Beyond Darklands 2026 takes place between Tuesday 3 and Monday 9 March. 

Beyond Classic: Fatal Attraction, Thursday 5 March 2025 08:00 PM, AMUZ, Antwerp

The 2026 edition of Beyond Classic steps into a realm of temptation, resistance and seduction. Fetish becomes a narrative language—one that plays with roleplay, gender fluidity, dominance, submission and sado—a journey that ultimately spirals toward fatal attraction. This theme emerges through music, movement and storytelling, forming the backbone of a new and visually charged performance.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary ‘Carmen‘—tragic, seductive, questioning and defiantly sado—this edition travels through baroque and contemporary worlds, echoing her presence through characters and musical voices closely related to her spirit. Even a trace of tango finds its way into the evening’s pulse. The performance is shaped by exceptional musicians and dancers, each contributing their own artistic identity to the stage.

Held in the historic AMUZ, Beyond Classic enters its eighth edition with artistic ambition and a clear message. The concert seeks not only to captivate, but to speak. In recent years, increasing polarization has tested values such as openness, empathy and welcome—particularly for those who experience exclusion. 

Even within the queer community, confidence has at times been replaced by hesitation, despite decades of strength and progress. Globally, anti-gender and anti-queer sentiment continues to rise.

The fetish community has long offered a visual and narrative vocabulary of resistance—bold, creative and unashamed. Beyond Classic shares that language to affirm solidarity, compassion and humanism. It connects individuals across different identities, philosophies and passions. 

Those present take part with curiosity, with the desire to learn, to engage, to be moved and to discover strength through visibility and fearless artistic expression.

Every artist on stage carries that intention into performance.

Beyond Classic Antwerp is created entirely by volunteers. All artists offer their work as a gift, and with partners and sponsors covering production costs, the event raises the highest possible proceeds for charity.

Cast and crew

Keynote by Suzanne van de Laar, Miss Leather 2019, chair Stichting Amsterdam Pride & WorldPride 2026.

Singers: Susanne Elmark – soprano, Iris Vermillion – mezzosoprano, Justin Habermann – tenor, Dietrich Henschel – bass-baritone, Gregory Frateur – singer-songwriter & performer.

Dramaturgy & moderation by Thomas Höft. Choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui who is premiering a new creation for Beyond Classic. Dancers: Nelson Earl (Eastman), Mason Kelly (Eastman).

Musicians – Fetish Baroque: Barbara Konrad – violin I, Agata Front – violin II, Gunda Hagmüller-Wieninger – viola, Sylvain Rullier – violoncello, Georg Kroneis – double bass, Sofie Vanden Eynde – theorbo, Ivan Trenev – accordion, Michael Hell – harpsichord and recorder.

Musical Director: Michael Hell, Artistic Director: Georg Kroneis, Production Director: Bart Abeel.

Practical information

Doors: 7:15 PM
Start: 8:00 PM
Location: AMUZ, Antwerp
Tickets: €25 – €72 per person

A performance built on seduction, rebellion, community and Carmen’s unbreakable shadow- Beyond Classic: Fatal Attraction promises an evening that lingers. Early booking is recommended.

Beyond Darklands 2025-2026

Antwerp Pride 2025

Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025

Queer Antwerp

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