Twenty years ago, Taoufiq Izeddiou launched the international contemporary dance festival 'On Marche' in Marrakech. Now, as part of the new season at the Théâtre Joliette, the renowned Moroccan choreographer is set to unveil a Marseille edition of the festival, honoring its 20th anniversary from September 11 to 19, 2026. This festival has witnessed the evolution of five generations of dancers, making it a significant event in the realm of contemporary dance.
The festival will delve into the intricate relationship between tradition and modernity, as well as the dynamic interplay between the individual and the community. This exploration is a key theme for the Mediterranean Season of 2026, which will see collaborative contributions from both the 'On Marche' festival and the Institut Français du Maroc.
Hailing from Marrakech, Taoufiq Izeddiou is a self-taught dancer who discovered his passion for the art form through personal exploration. His career took a pivotal turn in 1997 when he met Bernardo Montet from the Centre Chorégraphique National de Tours, leading to international recognition, particularly with his solo performance 'Danse Nord' in 2000. In 2003, he established Anania Danses, the first contemporary dance company in Morocco, further solidifying his impact on the dance scene. The same year, he also initiated the country's first contemporary dance training program, which was followed in 2019 by 'Nafass,' a professional development course aimed at nurturing emerging talent in dance. His works have been featured in prestigious venues such as Montpellier Danse, CND in Paris, and Tanzquartier in Vienna, and since 2023, he has been an associated artist with VIADANSE (CCN Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) for a three-year term.
Festival Highlights and Events
The festival will kick off with a festive opening on September 12 at 6 PM, featuring a jam session combined with a Moroccan aperitif and music from DJ Moad Haddadi. Following this, on September 18 at 7 PM, attendees can look forward to a screening and discussion led by Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi, a programmer and dramaturge.
The festival's lineup includes a variety of performances, starting with 'La terre en transe' by Taoufiq Izeddiou on September 11 at 8 PM. Other notable performances include 'Dihya' by Mohamed Lamqayssi on September 13 at 5 PM, 'The Waterproofed Artist' by Youness Atbane on the same day at 6:30 PM, and 'Silex et Craie' featuring Vincent Dupont and Bernardo Montet, which will be part of the European Heritage Days on September 19. The program also showcases a series of performances under the title 'صراط sirat' by Marouane Mezouar and 'Incendia' by Yassmine Benchifra, both scheduled for September 19 at 7 PM, culminating in a rich tapestry of dance that reflects the festival’s commitment to arts and culture.
As reported by sceneweb.fr.
