HEARTFUL
Carried by the artistic vision of Helene Bracke, RAAK Collective creates music theatre and opera that connects and invites to reflect. We touch upon contemporary themes without moralising, choosing instead to move and resonate. We build bridges between tradition and innovation, between stage and audience. Where relevant and meaningful, we also develop participatory pathways that actively engage and connect audiences.
Our roots lie in classical music, while our gaze is open and future-oriented. We deliberately seek cross-pollination between art forms and disciplines: if it resonates, it’s right.

HANDS ON
Think of us as a contractor: we create tailor-made productions and think strategically alongside you, both artistically and from a production perspective. Through clear communication, a flexible approach, and strong technical expertise, we take the pressure off your team in projects both within and beyond your day-to-day operations. With Tijl Wellens as our business and technical point of contact, we work swiftly and respond efficiently to every production need.
We think with you — and we deliver. For each project, we assemble the best-suited team together with you: from costume designers to video artists, from singers and actors to technical experts. Every maker we collaborate with is carefully selected for both their artistic excellence and their human qualities.

we worked together with: 
​ The Belgian National Orchestra en BOZAR (A la vie, à la mort! - voor altijd) 
Les Festivals de Wallonie (Madame Vitesse)
Studio PBA Charleroi (Winterreise)
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen (Donna Diva & de OPERAtionele tijdmachine, Hollywood Songbook)
Festival van Vlaanderen (Donna Diva TV)
​CloseOpera (Il Trittico, La Bohème, Glitter & Decay)
O'Brass (Die Dame)

We create innovative, compelling works and reimaginings of existing productions. Our performances reach both genre enthusiasts and new audiences, connecting with contemporary society. From site-specific opera on a boat (Il Tabarro, Puccini) to participatory family concerts (À la vie, à la mort!), and from documentary theatre (Clärenore Stinnes – Madame Vitesse) to fully realised productions that touch, amaze, and resonate long after the curtain falls.

Helene Bracke – Artistic Director – earned her Master’s in Classical Performance at the Conservatory of Ghent and specialized in opera at the International Opera Academy. As a creator, director, scenographer, and singer, she has developed into a versatile and distinctive presence in musical theatre.
In 2025, she won the YAM Award (Youth Audience Music Award) for Best Opera with A la vie, à la mort. – Voor altijd.
She has performed and/or collaborated with, among others, The Belgian National Orchestra, Festival van Vlaanderen, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Casco Phil, PBA Charleroi, Opéra National de Paris, and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.
Recently, she created new productions for The Belgian National Orchestra (A la vie, à la mort! – Voor altijd), Musica Impulscentrum (@ASTRA), Theater DE SPIEGEL (Loopneus), and Les Festivals de Wallonie (Madame Vitesse).
Her performances are presented both nationally and internationally.

foto: Diego Franssens ​

Tijl Wellens – Business and Technical Director – He earned his Master’s in Classical Music at the Conservatory of Ghent. After his studies, he specialized in audio engineering and worked for various companies in the event and theatre sector. Over time, he expanded his expertise to lighting design, set construction, and stage management.
He translates artistic and theatrical concepts into clear, practical, and sustainable technical solutions for the stage, where scenography and technology seamlessly merge in both functional and poetic realizations.
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