Ihsane

UK PREMIERE

Award-winning choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui explores grief and connection while paying homage to North Africa and the Middle East.

Double Olivier Award-winning choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s latest work explores how the world changes in a never-ending cycle of destruction and rebirth. Ihsane swells with anger, lingers in sorrow, and joyfully celebrates the rich cultures of North Africa and the Middle East.

Live music, composed and led by Tunisian viola d’amore player Jasser Haj Youssef, follows each step of the dancers from Cherkaoui’s two companies – Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and Eastman. Draped in earth-toned costumes and surrounded by Persian rugs, they pay homage to both contemporary dance and cultural traditions.

Paying tribute to a gay Moroccan man murdered in Belgium, Ihsane confronts cycles of violence and persecution, calling for connection despite unimaginable grief.

Hear Sounds of Ihsane at The Hub on Fri 14 Aug.

0 Stars
One of the most visionary choreographers working today
The Guardian on Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Supported by Flure Grossart

Programme

Cast & Credits

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Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Choreographer
Amine Amharech
Set Designer
Amine Bendriouich
Costume Designer
Fabiana Piccioli
Lighting Designer
Maxime Guislain
Videographer
El Arbi El-Harti
Dramaturg
Alexandre Dai Castaing
Sound Designer
Jasser Haj Youssef
Music Director & Viola d’amore
Gaël Cadoux
Piano
Nizar Rohana
Oud
Gabriele Miracle Bragantini
Percussion
Fadia Tomb El-Hage & Mohammed El Arabi Serghini
Vocals

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Co-produced by Eastman, Théâtre du Châtelet Paris, Les Théâtres de la ville de Luxembourg, Tanz Köln, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Festspielhaus St Pölten (AT), Grec Festival Barcelona 2025, Centre National des Arts (Ottawa).