Who we are

The group was founded in 1988 by the late Herman Bollaert (1929-2021), together with his son Ditmar and Annet Duller (1948-2022). With a deep passion for the magic lantern, Herman aimed to showcase his extensive collection of magic lantern material and provide audiences with a captivating glimpse into this extraordinary art form from a bygone era.

After Herman's passing in 2021, his son Ditmar Bollaert took the reins, continuing the legacy with the support of his wife, Els Prevenier. Together, they are dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the craft of the lanternist, a rare and specialized skill.

The team is made up of collaborators from various artistic disciplines, including theater, photography, film and music. This diverse blend of talents allows them to create immersive and enchanting live performances, bringing the magic lantern to life.

Laterna Magica Galantee Show has been presented in both Europe and the United States. Through their presentations, the group of artists continues to celebrate and share this timeless art with new generations.

The team
Lanternists: Ditmar Bollaert, Els Prevenier
Actor, Declamator, and Singer: Kurt Defrancq
Piano: Peter Olemans, Karl Vanneste