Introducing 'Ouroboros': A Theatrical Journey
On September 26, 2026, the theater company 'Bladi Art', in partnership with 'We Art Lab', is set to unveil its new play titled 'Ouroboros'. This theatrical piece, which debuted on September 22, 2026, at the 'Kan Ya Makan... Ghadan' center in Fez, delves into the complex theme of migration, using it as a lens to explore broader questions surrounding fate, fear, anticipation, and the longing for salvation. The play will embark on a tour that includes stops in Rabat and Casablanca in October, although exact performance dates have yet to be finalized.
According to a source speaking to Le360, 'Ouroboros' presents a theatrical approach to the topic of migration that transcends the mere narrative of geographical crossing. Instead, it immerses characters in an internal journey, where the desire to escape intertwines with hope, fear of the unknown, and the quest for redemption. The play draws upon the symbolism of the 'Ouroboros', which represents a circle that leads back to the starting point, serving as a key to interpret the characters' fates and their repetitive paths.
Innovative Techniques and Symbolism
The performance is not limited to dialogue; it incorporates contemporary theater and circus techniques, movement, dance, digital imagery, music, lighting, and mapping. This multifaceted approach aims to create an immersive experience where various artistic elements converge to serve the overarching theme. The body plays a crucial role in the presentation, with movements that evoke fear, anticipation, the desire to cross boundaries, and the sense of breaking. The circus wheel, associated with the character of the 'Guardian/Fate', transforms into a visual element that evokes an ongoing motion that does not necessarily lead to a destination.
Additionally, the scenography employs several symbolically charged elements, including transparent white strips that evoke concepts of packaging, transportation, and burial, while simultaneously serving as a canvas for images, memories, fears, and dreams. Wooden pieces are utilized to conjure the spaces of ports, factories, transit, and detention.
The play's visual aspect is enhanced through mapping and video, creating a space where memory, dreams, fears, the sea, and anticipation intersect. Music and lighting contribute significantly to shaping the rhythm and psychological atmosphere of the scenes. Directed and written by Abdou Jalal, 'Ouroboros' stars Abdel Fattah al-Gharbawi, Mourad Al-Mutawif, Hanan Al-Alam, and Abdel Ilah Al-Safi. The technical and artistic team includes Elias Al-Marbouh for project management and music and lighting design, Omayma Al-Khadri for scenography, Aya Hrouch for costume design, Amin Bouzmaoun for mapping techniques, Mohamed Al-Shah for scenography execution, and Khadija Al-Kir for general supervision.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
