For this Dancing in the Streets live event, Beirut-based dancer and choreographer Omar Rajeh will give a lecture as well as perform his solo dance, which is taken from his specially commissioned International Festival film, The Odor of Elephants after the Rain.

This film documents his home city, first at a macro level and then at the micro, gently observing the structures, streets and people that make Beirut tick. It provides a multi-layered backdrop for three solo performances – from Rajeh and two of his dancers – that are characteristically hypnotic. Expect to feel the pulse of Beirut and be immersed in its culture and the issues affecting its people.

Dancing in the Streets is a series of films from the streets of cities around the world. Edinburgh International Festival has commissioned four of the world’s most acclaimed choreographers, Alice Ripoll from Rio de Janeiro, Omar Rajeh from Beirut, Gregory Maqoma from Soweto and Janice Parker from Edinburgh, to create short films with their dancers, responding to the past year and reflecting on their relationship with their home cities.

Join each choreographer as they present their film for the very first time, hosted by choreographer Freddie Opoku-Addaie (recently appointed Artistic Director/Chief Executive of Dance Umbrella International Festival - London).

Supported by
Flure Grossart

Made possible through the PLACE programme

Research & Development supported by