The festival ‘WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST’ explores different societal themes with each new edition. Having previously looked at the topics of privilege, acquired rights and (fair) care (2019), and inclusion and accessibility (2020), for this third edition we’re focusing on re-enchantment. Think magic, mythology, rituals, and contemporary witchcraft.

The myth of capitalist modernity is showing cracks on all sides: the current system is making people ill. We should slow down and collectively reflect on what connects us: our bodies, our histories, our ancestors, our planet and the more-than-human.

‘WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST’ invites us to look past our differences and start thinking as a collective again, to find new forms of relating to and interacting with each other. Through the festival programme, we’ll explore what magic, myths, rituals and enchantment can contribute to this goal.

We’re inviting artists to create and share new narratives for a more just and magical future, each in their own way. From a collective ‘Wild Carnaval Sauvage’ to a ‘beauty kit farm’, from a magickal animist direct action workshop to a performance exploring the contemporary witch figure – we’ve got a magic programme for you. Come and think, discuss, learn, and dance with us!