Wild Narcissus

Narcissus wants to be seen. And where better than in the theatre – a stage on which to be viewed and adored. Narcissus attempts to immortalise the youngest version of himself and fights (in vain) against the slow creep of time. For during the applause, an emptiness arises that deepens with every clap. How far will Narcissus go to make himself invincible, to be loved? In Wild Narcissus, Bavo Buys introduces their new alter ego, Narcissus. The performance blends plot, documentary, personal confessions, and social media into a critical and manipulative solo that both indicts and celebrates our narcissistic society. Wild Narcissus reveals the ephemeral and destructive power of youth, beauty, and self-preservation. Inspired by, amongst other things, the myth of Narcissus, the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and alter egos within contemporary pop culture (think Sasha Fierce, Ziggy Stardust, …), Bavo explores the darker side of human nature, for the first time in a theatre production of their own. In September 2025, Bavo was awarded the Sabam Prize at the TheaterFestival for Wild Narcissus.