Show premiered on 9 October 2025 at the Théâtre Varia
Britney Spears is an astonishing pop icon. A singer with a meteoric career whose songs still echo in the minds of an entire generation, she has also suffered from an image tarnished by various scandals. In January 2008, she was once again hospitalised under the relentless flashbulbs of the paparazzi, before being placed under her father’s guardianship. For thirteen years, she would have to consult him on every decision she made, even the most personal ones. From this story emerged the #FreeBritney movement, which has become a symbol of resistance against sexist oppression.
Echoing this struggle, director Paola Pisciottano and multidisciplinary artist Philippe Marien, who has Down’s syndrome, draw on the American pop star’s journey to examine our relationship with images and fragility in a society obsessed with appearances, performance and perfection. Through intimate narratives, choreography and live music, the focus is not so much on Britney Spears herself, but rather on what this figure holds up to us as a mirror. In a world where every move is scrutinised and every misstep judged, Britney Bitch breaks through the social norms that no longer allow for fulfilment, but rather for confinement.
Performed by Philippe Marien and Paola Pisciottano Directed and written by Paola Pisciottano Assistant director: Pascal Lazarus Dramaturgy: Carmela Chergui Choreography coach: Mercedes Dassy Technical Director and Video Operator: Sébastien Delahaye Sound design: Annalena Fröhlich Lighting design, stage manager Luca Serafini Sound and lighting operator: César Assié Evening support: Nina Lefebvre Daytime support Virgile Magniette Production and distribution: Sasha Lampole Lecat – Modul With the assistance of Fabienne Damiaen, from the Varia costume workshop
Thanks to Julia Reist, wickedclaudie, Fanny Vandesande, Olivier Hespel and Thomas Nowak.
Production: MoDul and bolognaprocess Co-production Théâtre Varia, Théâtre de Liège, La « S » Grand Atelier, La Coop asbl and Shelter Prod Support from La Fabrique de Théâtre, Théâtre des Doms, BAMP, WBI, WBTD, Fédération Wallonie- Bruxelles / Service Théâtre Supported by taxshelter.be, ING, the Belgian Federal Government’s Tax Shelter
