In an era where the dialogue between diverse cultures and traditions is more vital than ever, Omar Rajeh and Maqamat take the stage to weave a narrative that transcends geographical and linguistic barriers through the universal language of dance. Upcoming performances of Beytna and Dance is Not for Us will respectively take place at WOMADelaide, Adelaide from March 8 until March 11, and at Osterfestival, Tirol on March 17. Moreover, Twenty Year of BIPOD is set to take place from April 16 until April 21 at Union Marks, Station Beirut, Institut Francais du Liban, Sursock Museum and Citerne.live, with an unprecedented celebration.
With performances that span continents, Omar Rajeh and Maqamat offer a rich exploration of the human condition, articulated through the eloquent movements of the body. At the heart of their artistic inquiry lies a profound examination of identity, belonging and the power of art to foster connection and understanding.
Beytna (our home) brings together four choreographers and four musicians from Lebanon, Japan, Palestine, Belgium and Togo, uniting on stage over a banquet of food. Originating from disparate continents, cultures and countries, and equipped with diverse artistic experiences, backgrounds and ideas, they find common ground in their profession. They engage in conversation, share laughter, dance and enjoy a meal together. This gathering’s simplicity lays the groundwork for a more intricate choreographic and conceptual performance structure. Beytna extends an invitation to the home of the other, celebrating health, happiness, pleasure, compassion and friendship. It’s an invitation not only to the artist’s profession and choreographic construction, but also to the forms and situations of the past. Beytna embarks on a new adventure on a new continent. Performances started on Friday, March 8 within the program of WOMADelaide, The World’s festival in Adelaide, Australia. This performance, which premiered at Tanzquartier Wien in 2016, continues to facilitate a meaningful assembly of sharing, diversity, and participation. Following these four performances in Australia, the tour is set to continue in France, Italy, the UAE and Belgium, with dates to be announced soon.
Dance is Not for Us is a solo creation choreographed and performed by Omar Rajeh, inviting audiences into his dance and autobiographical universe. The artist examines ‘performance’ as a gathering and shared experience, where the dancing body establishes its own rules, structure and inspirations, as an act of hope. This is set against power structures that push towards normality and fear. Alone on stage, he navigates an intimate past that no longer exists, grappling with fading and deceptive images. He confronts a world seemingly devoid of its past, where today’s narratives clash with yesteryear’s memories.
“When we go to the theater, is it just a tradition, a social fact, or is it a gathering that reminds us of an event, something that is very important to us, that means a lot in our lives? Culture is life. It is not something marginal. Otherwise, why should we be here?” Omar Rajeh questions in an interview with Catherine Cornet. Through this solo performance, he delves into his dance and autobiographical realm, viewing performance as a catalyst for gathering and shared experience. The tour is expected to continue in The Netherlands, Italy, Albania, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland, with dates to be announced.
For the 20th anniversary of BIPOD, over 40 artists and dance professionals will convene in Beirut to commemorate two decades of BIPOD with the audience. This milestone will be marked by a novel approach featuring an immersive and participative format. The festivities will include dance performances by international and Lebanese choreographers in unconventional spaces, international exchange meetings and encounters, dance concerts and jams, interactive digital creations and live streaming, a video dance films program, workshops, presentations of new projects, showcasing young and emerging talent, a kids program, Moving together workshops, Dabke and Tango Experience Evenings.
Tickets will be available soon at Antoine Ticketing.
