Gaea Schoeters is a Belgian (screen)writer, journalist and librettist.
She made her debut with the travel book Girls, Muslims and Motorcycles about a seven-month motorcycle trip through Iran, Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. This was followed the novels Diggers (Manteau), The art of falling (De Bezige Bij) and Untitled #1 (Querido) and the interview-collection Het Einde (Polis). Her latest novel, Trofee, was shortlisted for various prizes and won the Sabam Prize for literature and a Special mention of the European Union Prize for Literature. With illustrator Gerda Dendooven she made Nothing (De Eenhoorn), a philosophical picture book for children young and old. With composer Annelies Van Parys she wrote several award-winning operas and music theatre pieces, such as Private View, Usher, The Channel, Holle Haven and Notwehr. Their work is performed at venues such as Biennale Venice, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Folkoperan Stockholm, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Deutsche Oper, Operadagen Rotterdam and Theater aan Zee, but also in unusual places, like the station opera Lost & Found.
Schoeters is a very versatile writer, who loves to play around with all things written — except poetry, which she only writes secretly. All her work lies at the intersection of formal experimentation and social engagement. In collaboration with Johanna Pas she translates Kae Tempest to Dutch, and she is also a much sought-after columnist and essayist for various newspapers and magazines. She’s also a keen performer, and the curator & host of the Dead Ladies Show, a café chantant that spotlights forgotten women.
Her latest novel, Trophy, will be translated in 12 languages. The French, German, Danish, Hungarian and Croatian editions have been published already, the others will follow later. An English translation is available upon request.
Photo: cc Amrei-Marie
