Medusa Moves

With the world premiere of Medusa, a new opera by Iain Bell and Lydia Steier, La Monnaie places an ancient myth at the heart of a deeply contemporary reflection. Far from the familiar image of Medusa as a monster, this new production reclaims her as a woman shaped by the violence inflicted upon her, transformed into something feared rather than understood. This inversion, in which a victim is turned into a symbol of danger and silence, resonates powerfully with present-day experiences, where many still navigate public space with a sense of constraint, vigilance, or invisibility. Worldwide, these everyday realities echo a broader and more troubling context, in which violence against women persists in multiple forms.

It is within this continuum that Medusa finds its urgency. By shifting the perspective from myth to lived experience, the opera opens a space for dialogue around violence, perception and transformation, inviting audiences to reconsider not only how stories are told, but also whose voices are heard.

Extending this reflection beyond the stage, La Monnaie joins forces with STIB / MIVB and the City of Brussels to bring this conversation into the public realm. Through a participatory campaign centered on movement and collective expression, the initiative seeks to transform a shared reality into a shared response.

How to join?

With a video launched on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok Jeny BSG invites everyone to discover the MedusaMoves. Participants can learn the choreography via the tutorial below and share their own version on social media, by tagging @jenybsg @mivbstib and @lamonnaie.demunt.

About Jeny BSG

Jeny Bonsenge, also known as Jeny BSG, is a Brussels-based dancer, choreographer and cultural figure with roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose work blends movement, music and social engagement. She rose to international fame in 2019 after a viral dance performance with her student caught the attention of Meghan Markle, leading to an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As the CEO of AfroHouseBelgium, a Brussels-based dance school, Jeny uses her platform to inspire others and promote Congolese culture. She is also a high profile supporter for UNHCR, bringing a strong personal connection to the refugee cause.

MIVB

For STIB/MIVB, the campaign builds on a longstanding commitment to combating sexism and sexual harassment in public transport. As a space used daily by thousands of people, public transport reflects broader societal dynamics, including the persistence of harassment and intimidation.
Through awareness campaigns, staff training, reporting tools and partnerships, STIB has been working to empower both victims and witnesses to respond to such situations. By joining MedusaMoves, STIB extends this commitment into a new, participatory dimension, encouraging collective awareness and action, and reinforcing the idea that public space must be safe and accessible for everyone.

How can this campaign be translated into real support?

The Panzi Foundation and Panzi Hospital support survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo through a holistic approach combining medical, psychological, legal, and socio-economic care.
Led by Congolese gynecologist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege, the hospital has treated thousands of women affected by conflict-related violence. Mukwege has become one of the world’s strongest advocates against gender-based violence, working to restore dignity, empower survivors, and give a voice to those who were silenced.

The Panzi model shows that recovery and transformation are not only symbolically possible, but also achievable in concrete ways. Through the visibility and reach of the Medusa Moves campaign, we hope to inspire audiences to support the Panzi Foundation. Jeny has a personal connection to the foundation, and through this project she helps bring attention to the ‘Medusas of today’.