Bosfest 2026 presents

Paarden Mogen Niet Dood

Gaja Caruso

An exploration of the meaning of pets through their absence.

All pets eventually die. It’s something we prefer not to think about until it happens. Yet the loss of the “human’s best friend” can reveal much about our need for connection, comfort, or control. If pets did not exist, would humans have invented them?

In her interdisciplinary performance Paarden Mogen Niet Dood, Gaja Caruso presents a world built from real childhood stories about the first loss of a pet. Through these intimate memories, she explores the bond between humans and animals and asks the question: who is actually dependent on whom? Especially in a time of instability and collective grief, this unconditional presence can be experienced as something rare, constant, and healing.

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“The right mix of silly humor and sincere dedication.”

“The performance makes the completely full audience at the Grand Theatre in Groningen both smile and think critically at the same time.”

Theaterkrant

About Gaja Caruso
Gaja Caruso is an emerging interdisciplinary theatre maker and performer. In her physical work, she approaches theatre as a shared, affective experience that creates space for reflection, collective meaning-making, and systemic critique.

She grew up in a small village in the Slovenian mountains, lived for several years in Belgium and Hungary, and eventually found her place in Groningen. There, she was part of Club Guy & Roni’s Poetic Disasters Club. Since 2022, Gaja has been creating her own work and is supported by Station Noord, Grand Theatre, and Club Guy & Roni.

Credits

Valentijn De Jonge, Roni Yacoobi, Rik van de Heuvel, Gaja Caruso - Performers |
Gaja Caruso - Direction |
Yvonne Zeegers - Dramaturgy & text |
Rik van de Heuvel - Music composition |
Marieke Horst - Costume and scenography |
Jelle Rebel - Lighting design |
Mai Mathilde Valk - Dramaturgy intern |
Ana Irina Cange - Production intern |
Margo Goldman - Marketing & communications

Unfortunately there is no event between the selected dates.

Ticket costs

Tickets

€ 10

Extra information

Bosfest Festival Heart Admission Ticket
This performance is part of Bosfest 2026. To attend the show, you also need a valid admission ticket for the Bosfest Festival Heart. Buy your admission ticket here.

Performance times
The listed performance times include the walk to the performance location and back to the festival heart.

Language No Problem
This performance contains minimal spoken language. Even if you don’t speak Dutch, the show is easy to follow.

Schedule overview
View the Bosfest 2026 schedule here.

Wheelchair access
Bosfest performances take place in the forest. We do our best to provide wheelchair-accessible spots, but the natural surroundings can sometimes present challenges. If you require a wheelchair space, please email us at [email protected] with the date and time you would like to attend Bosfest.

Details performance

Bosfest
Dogs on leash allowed
Language no problem
Wheelchair Accessible

Paarden Mogen Niet Dood

Credits