Captivating Performances from Morocco
The renowned Moroccan ensemble, Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger, has opened the ATOLL Festival for contemporary circus in Karlsruhe with a stunning and poetic display of acrobatics and urban dance. The performers delve into the conflicting emotions of youth in Morocco, exploring themes of grand dreams alongside harsh disappointments. The show unfolds with a series of mesmerizing acts, including acrobats forming human pyramids—a practice rooted in ancient Sufi and Berber traditions. As they ascend, a female acrobat skillfully navigates the line of performers, executing handstands and headstands on their shoulders and heads before culminating in a breathtaking tower of human bodies.
Exploring Universal Themes Through Movement
Sanae El Kamouni, the director and founder of the troupe, shares insights into this cultural expression, stating, "Historically, warriors would create these human pyramids to look over their enemies' walls and potentially scale them." This art form has evolved significantly since the 15th century, now embodying a blend of spectacular acrobatics with deeper narratives. Their latest program, "KA-IN"—an Arabic term meaning 'to be human or alive'—focuses on a visceral life experience. El Kamouni reflects on the struggles of Moroccan youth, caught between tradition and modernity, possessing lofty aspirations while grappling with frustration. The performance also touches on broader universal issues, emphasizing a collective human experience amidst current global events.
What sets this performance apart is the collaboration between the acrobatic group and dancers, including the acclaimed choreographer Raphaëlle Boitel. Throughout the show, the ensemble often gathers in groups, supporting one another and expressing their collective frustration as if participating in a demonstration. The varying costumes and body language vividly illustrate the divide between older, tradition-bound individuals and the younger, modern generation.
Among the performers is Youssef Salheh, a young urban street dancer from Morocco who taught himself to dance and honed his skills on the streets. Having won several competitions, he expresses how enriching it is to collaborate with the acrobats, stating, "In this troupe, everyone genuinely supports one another. We must pay close attention to each other, creating an incredibly intense sense of community." The most beautiful moments of the show arise when the group catches and lifts a fellow performer, allowing them to soar above the rest, reminiscent of a dream sequence where anything seems possible.
The ATOLL Festival showcases more than 25 diverse performances from artists around the globe, celebrating a decade of reimagined circus arts. The festival runs from September 17 to September 27, 2026, at the TOLLHAUS Free Cultural Association in Karlsruhe, promising an exhilarating experience filled with humor and surprises.
As reported by swr.de.
