This multidisciplinary biennial, born in 2022, echoing the Performing Arts Meetings in the Mediterranean initiated by the Théâtre des 13 Vents in Montpellier, offers a space for exchange, sharing and creation open to all.
This 2024 edition is structured around an essential question: “What forms of action can be initiated by artists in the face of an era marked by crises, tragedies and uncertainties? “. More than an event, Casablanca Drift is intended to be a collective and artistic response to this question, carried by Palestinian, Lebanese and Moroccan artists. These creators, confronted with often fragile contexts, explore the links between memory, imagination and civic positioning through the prism of their works.
« It will be about testifying, being witnesses and giving rise to other possibilities », Underlines the organizing team, emphasizing the importance of meeting, debate and movement to counter the paralyzing effects of troubled times.
For five days, Casablanca will vibrate to the rhythm of theater, dance, poetry, music, literature and cinema. Various emblematic places in the city, such as the Villa Delaporte, the Ritz Cinema, the Coupole and the Theater 121 of the French Institute, will serve as stages to host artistic performances, screenings and participatory workshops.
Art in motion
In dance, Readinga collaborative creation between Nacera Belaza and Meryem Jazouli, will question the relationship between speech and movement through a solo that is both poetic and physical. Radouane Mriziga, for his part, will present Atlas/The Mountaina play drawing on Amazigh mythological stories to explore the cultural traditions of the Atlas Mountains.
The theater will also occupy a central place with Alone on stagewhere Faouzi Bensaidi will offer a lively reading of the poems of Mahmoud Darwish, mixing the intimate and the epic. Another notable performance will be In dialoguea theatrical conversation between Chrystèle Khodr and Khulood Bassel, which will return to theatrical practice in Lebanon and Palestine.
In cinema, The Memory by Mohamad Malas will evoke the memories of an elderly woman left in the ruins of Quneitra, while Foragers by Jumana Manna will explore the impacts of Israeli laws on Palestinian culinary traditions. These screenings will be accompanied by discussions allowing an in-depth look at the themes covered.
The music will resonate loudly through Unknown Landsa unique musical performance bringing together Kamilya Jubran, Floy Krouchi and Youmna Saba. This meeting between different musical aesthetics, mixing improvisation and sound innovation, promises to be an exceptional moment.
Compass for uncertain times
Alongside performance, Casablanca Drift emphasizes exchange and transmission through participatory workshops. Youness Anzane will offer a Eye workshop for young people from the Les Étoiles center in Sidi Moumen, inviting them to explore a critical and sensitive approach to the works programmed. In addition, Fayçal Lahrouchi and Sara Médiouni will create an immersive sound documentary, capturing the notable moments of this edition thanks to live recordings.
By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds but sharing common concerns, Casablanca Drift underlines the importance of fraternal and artistic alliances in a region marked by tensions and challenges. These meetings go beyond geographical borders to forge links around a common vision: that of an art that carries meaning, questioning and hope.
The team of Casablanca Drift reminds that this event is not an end in itself, but a fertile action aimed at inspiring other initiatives. “ We believe in the need to initiate meetings and share thoughts that nourish our choices and our convictions », Say the organizers.
Thus, for five days, artists, technicians, volunteers and the public will come together to exchange, debate and imagine other possible futures together, through a rich and demanding program.
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