Ihsane by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui: Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève + Eastman

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings Ihsane to the Megaron Mousikis Athens with Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and Eastman – a powerful work on identity, memory and reconciliation.

The world-renowned Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui visits Athens for two unique performances of his new creation Ihsane, presented by the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and the younger company Eastman, on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March at 20:00, at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis). A bold, multi-layered production, it marks the meeting point of contemporary choreography with personal testimony, political consciousness, and humanitarian action.

Ihsane is not merely a performance; it is an invitation to experience the power of art that transcends borders and cultural differences, to reflect on human experience, identity, and memory, and at the same time to contribute to supporting socially vulnerable groups through charitable action.

One of the most significant choreographers of his generation, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui returns to his Moroccan roots through an introspective journey into the dreams and memories of his childhood. Ihsane – which in Arabic means kindness, compassion, and unity with the universe – becomes for the creator an exercise in reconciliation, seeking to transcend not only personal but also geopolitical conflicts. Cherkaoui challenges dismissive and stereotypical Western perspectives on the Arab world that remain prevalent today, exploring the depth of Moroccan identity with all its ambiguities, contradictions, and selflessness.

Yet Ihsane extends beyond a personal quest for identity and connection. It also serves as a deeply moving tribute to the young Belgian of Moroccan descent, Ihsane Jarfi, who was murdered in 2012 in a racially motivated attack. Cherkaoui, a fellow Belgian of Moroccan heritage and himself a queer artist, seeks to identify with Jarfi in order to articulate, through the language of the body, questions that concern us all: What imprint do we leave behind? How can more than one identity inhabit the same body? The performance thus becomes a social act – a protest against violence and racism, and a declaration of art’s power to unite what society attempts to divide.

In this daring co-production, the decades-long distinguished presence of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève meets the multifaceted younger company Eastman, both under Cherkaoui’s artistic direction. Together, they highlight the artistic vitality of the Arab world, set to the original score composed especially for the production by Jasser Haj Youssef. The striking visual spectacle is further enriched by creations from visual artist Amine Amharech and the innovative costumes by designer Amine Bendriouich, inspired by Berber dress traditions – a visual language that honors heritage while simultaneously reimagining it.

Today, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary dance. A multidisciplinary creator – choreographer, opera director, dancer, composer, pianist, and visual artist – he works across multiple fields and platforms, from film and Broadway to music videos, opera, museums, and community-based art. As Artistic Director of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, he has the talent to create entire worlds where movement, music, and architecture are seamlessly interwoven.

The performance takes place within the framework of a special event with a humanitarian focus: its purpose is to continue the provision of modern medical equipment to public children’s hospitals in Greece through Lifeline Hellas. Art thus becomes a vehicle of solidarity, connecting the stage with society, dance with necessity.

Co-production: Lifeline Hellas – Megaron Mousikis Athens
In collaboration with Visionary Culture and Delta Danse

Credits

Choreography: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Set Design: Amine Amharech

Costumes: Amine Bendriouich

Lighting Design: Fabiana Piccioli

Music: Jasser Haj Youssef

Video: Maxime Guislain

Vocals: Fadia Tomb El-Hage, Mohammed El Arabi Serghini

Performed by the musicians:
Viola d’amore: Jasser Haj Youssef
Rhodes piano: Gaël Cadoux
Oud: Yasamin Shahhosseini
Percussion: Gabriele Miracle Bragantini

With the dancers of Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and Eastman