Details of the latest edition of the festival
Get ready for an immersive and thought-provoking celebration of the body as both an artistic and cultural expression, taking place on Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28, 2025. The Festival Body and Culture in Movement promises to be an exciting journey that fuses intellectual discourse with creative exploration, drawing artists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
This two-day festival seeks to break down the traditional notion of the body as just a biological entity, transforming it into a canvas of cultural narratives, artistic practices, and societal perceptions. The festival emphasizes the intersection between culture, movement, and identity, with a focus on understanding the body as a medium that transcends mere physicality and becomes a dynamic expression of cultural significance.
Day 1: February 27, 2025
The first day of the festival sets the stage for a rich blend of academic presentations and hands-on artistic workshops. The morning sessions open with profound talks by distinguished scholars and artists, including Professors Cherki Karkaba, Fatima Zahra Salih, and Abderrahmane Ghanimi. Their discussions will delve into diverse topics such as the symbolism of the body in different cultures, the role of movement in self-expression, and the influence of visual imagery on the way we perceive the human form.
Following the intellectual exchange, the festival shifts to an engaging series of workshops, where attendees can participate in various artistic practices. These workshops cover a broad range of mediums, including painting, photography, and choreography, encouraging participants to bring their own interpretation of the body and its cultural context to life. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera, the strokes of a paintbrush, or the rhythm of a dancer's movement, these workshops provide a space for the body to be both a subject and an instrument of creativity.
The day culminates in a captivating film screening, followed by a live musical performance that showcases the powerful connection between sound, movement, and visual storytelling. These events offer a sensory experience that brings together different forms of artistic expression, allowing the audience to reflect on the themes discussed throughout the day.
Day 2: February 28, 2025
The second day of the festival takes a deeper dive into the complex relationship between the body, society, and personal freedom. Leading scholars will explore provocative subjects, including the concept of the body politic, the impact of capitalism on human identity, and the politics of representation. These discussions challenge participants to think critically about how the body is not only a personal entity but also a symbol shaped by external forces such as culture, politics, and media.
Artists, dancers, and sculptors take center stage in the afternoon, offering live performances that embody the ideas discussed during the lectures. Performances like “À la découverte du corps inconnu” (In Search of the Unknown Body) and “Ce que l'œil a oublié” (What the Eye Forgot) will showcase a range of dance styles and choreographies, illustrating the physicality of the human form as it interacts with space, time, and memory. These performances are designed to be visceral experiences that highlight the beauty and complexity of the body in motion.
As the day progresses, participants are invited to join an invigorating outdoor excursion, the “Corps et âme” hike, set in the stunning natural surroundings of Laqsar. This outdoor activity offers a chance for festival-goers to connect with nature, engage in mindful movement, and reflect on the idea of body and soul in harmony with the environment.
The festival draws to a close with a grand theatrical performance that brings together the different themes and elements of the festival. Vibrant choreographies, emotionally charged scenes, and powerful visual storytelling will be featured in a closing ceremony that reflects on the themes of body, identity, and cultural expression explored throughout the event.
The Festival Body and Culture in Movement is not just an artistic celebration—it is a space where intellectual inquiry, creative expression, and cultural exploration converge. By engaging with these various aspects of the human experience, participants will leave the festival with new insights into the complex relationships between body, culture, and identity. Whether you are an artist, scholar, or simply a lover of culture, this festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of artistic exploration and cultural discourse. Join us as we honor the body’s role in shaping the stories we tell about who we are and where we come from.
Key Highlights:
- Opening Ceremony: A formal welcome by key figures, including Mr. Lahsen Echarfy, Regional Director of Culture, and Prof. Mohamed Belechheb, Dean of the Faculty of Letters. The event kicks off with speeches from organizing committee members.
- Body & Soul in Motion: A presentation by Prof. Cherki Karkaba, founder of the International Traveling Festival “The Body & Culture in Motion,” showcasing the body as a canvas for artistic expression.
- Cultural and Artistic Discussions: Engaging presentations by renowned experts such as Prof. Mohamed Saki, Dr. Ilham Bettache, and Dr. Frédéric Dumas, exploring the cultural significance of the body across different regions and disciplines.
- Workshops: Participants can take part in hands-on workshops led by notable choreographers and artists, including:
- Dance and Calligraphy Workshop with Karine Ghalmi
- Polyphonic Songs Workshop with ENTREXATAK
- Traditional Dance and Theatre Workshops
- Performances: The festival includes a range of performances celebrating the power of movement and sound, including:
- Traditional Basque Polyphonic Songs by ENTREXATAK
- Amazigh Women’s Songs and other traditional Moroccan music
- Dance, Choreography, and Interpretation by Karine Ghalmi
- Debates and Open Discussions: Thought-provoking debates and open discussions on topics like the body and writing, body politics, and cultural representation in media, including the film adaptation of *Twelve Years a Slave*.
- Networking and Cultural Exchange: Informal discussions over mint tea provide an opportunity for attendees to network and connect, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange among participants.
- Closing Ceremony: The festival concludes with a vibrant celebration of culture, including performances, live music, and dance, creating a memorable farewell to the event.
The festival fosters global dialogue on body politics, cultural heritage, and artistic exploration, making it a unique and enriching experience for all involved.