Operation Parrot. Resistance history comes to life at the Boekentoren

During the Gentse Feesten, renowned Ghent composer Obe Vermeulen presents his new production Operation Parrot (Operatie Papegaai) at the Boekentoren. Driven by the conviction that art is a powerful medium for imagining and transmitting heritage, he brings a theatre concert that weaves together music, history, and reflection.

Operation Parrot transports the audience back to Ghent in 1944. At its heart lies the gripping story of a remarkable resistance operation—the rescue of secret agent Albert Mélot from German custody—meticulously documented by researcher Marc Verschooris.

From archive to stage

The Boekentoren manages a vast array of sources documenting the history of the resistance: clandestine leaflets, historical newspapers, and other archival materials that provide insight into the complex reality of war and occupation.

Through this rich collection and its supporting services, the Boekentoren serves as a vital link between research, heritage, and artistic practice. Projects like Operation Parrot demonstrate how historical sources gain new meaning when shared with a broad audience through the lens of art.

Researching a lasting past

The ‘unprocessed past’ of the Second World War has been a central research theme for years within various research groups at Ghent University. Recently, UGent researchers Koen Aerts and Nico Wouters—both doctoral students of Bruno De Wever—launched the podcast Weeral WO2?! (WWII Again?!), exploring how the war’s legacy continues to influence the present. Furthermore, Ghent University plays an active role in public debates surrounding initiatives such as Helden van het verzet (Heroes of the Resistance) and their impact on collective memory.

A space for reflection and encounter

With Operation Parrot, Obe Vermeulen offers an artistic reflection on a fraught episode of history. The theatre concert invites the audience to engage in deeper dialogue and contemplation. The Boekentoren, which opened its doors during the Second World War, provides a poignant setting where art, research, and heritage converge.

Artists inspired by historical sources, researchers sharing new insights, and the university library bringing both worlds together: this is exactly what we stand for.

Practical information

• Friday 24 July 20:00
• Saturday 25 July 15:00 and 20:00
• Sunday 26 July 15:00
• Location: Study Area, Rozier 9, 9000 Ghent