World-renowned Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui arrives in Athens for two exclusive performances of his latest creation, Ihsane, presented by the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and his company Eastman on March 17 and 18 at 8:00 p.m., at the Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall. The production is held under the auspices of the Embassy of Switzerland.
GrandsBalletsGeneve-2©FilipVanRoe_GTG_Ihsane
A bold, multi-layered work, Ihsane marks a compelling convergence of contemporary choreography, personal testimony, political awareness, and humanitarian engagement. More than a performance, it is an invitation to experience art that transcends borders and cultural divides — a meditation on identity, memory, and shared humanity — while actively supporting vulnerable communities through its charitable mission.
GrandsBalletsGeneve-4©FilipVanRoe_GTG_Ihsane
One of the most influential choreographers of his generation, Cherkaoui turns inward, revisiting his Moroccan roots in an introspective journey through childhood dreams and memories. Ihsane — an Arabic word signifying kindness, compassion, and harmony with the universe — becomes an act of reconciliation, seeking to overcome not only personal fractures but also broader geopolitical tensions.
With characteristic nuance, Cherkaoui confronts the reductive and stereotypical Western perceptions of the Arab world, delving into the complexities, contradictions, and quiet generosity embedded within Moroccan identity.
Yet Ihsane extends beyond personal exploration. It stands as a deeply moving tribute to Ihsane Jarfi, the young Belgian man of Moroccan descent who was murdered in 2012 in a racially motivated attack.
A compatriot of Jarfi and himself a queer artist, Cherkaoui channels this shared history into a physical language that asks urgent, universal questions: What traces do we leave behind? How can multiple identities coexist within a single body? The performance unfolds as both protest and prayer — a stand against violence and racism, and a declaration of art’s enduring power to unite what society attempts to divide.
This ambitious co-production brings together the decades-long excellence of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and the dynamic energy of Eastman, both under Cherkaoui’s artistic direction. The performance pulses to an original score by composer Jasser Haj Youssef, blending musical traditions into a richly textured soundscape.
Photo©Rahi-Rezvani-Sidi-Larbi-Cherkaoui
Striking visual environments by artist Amine Amharech and innovative costumes by designer Amine Bendriouich — inspired by Berber sartorial heritage — create a visual language that honors tradition while boldly reimagining it.
Today, Cherkaoui stands among the most versatile and visionary figures in contemporary dance — a choreographer, opera director, performer, composer, pianist, and visual artist whose work spans film, Broadway, opera houses, museums, and community projects worldwide. As artistic director of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, he has demonstrated a rare ability to construct immersive worlds where movement, music, and architecture intertwine seamlessly.
The Athens performances form part of a special humanitarian initiative supporting Lifeline Hellas and its ongoing mission to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment to Greece’s public children’s hospitals. In this context, art becomes an act of solidarity — connecting stage and society, dance and urgent human need.
A co-production of Lifeline Hellas and Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall, in collaboration with Visionary Culture and Delta Danse.
Only a limited number of tickets remain.
Information: +30 210 72 82 333
www.megaron.gr
