al mouhaq - a new moon
From Domestica (f.) | Maga
Witches have inhabited popular imaginaries for centuries, following a systematic witch trial that has terrorized Europe with the most gruesome happening between the 16th and 17th century. Research have shown that a sizeable amount of knowledge was lost through the witches’ persecutions. More than four centuries separate us from the era of witch trials, however in today’s world women are covertly treated as witches.
Nowadays, although regarded more equitably compared to other decades, women are still discriminated against in the work field. In recent years, an effort has been made to shed light on scientific discoveries pushed forward by women that were previously disregarded.
This performance revisits these persecuted women to think beyond their demise. It is a study of rituals, transformation, and erasure through movement, and an ongoing conversation between several female bodies on womanhood. By going through the witch’s tale, it aims to raise several questions: Can the lost be brought back? Can the forcefully erased be re-written? Can a new cycle emerge after annihilation?
Creative Director: Laetitia El Hakim
Choreography: Al Sarab Dance Company (ASDC)
Dancers: Nadra Assaf, Sarah Fadel, Laetitia El Hakim, Myriam Barakat,Rana-Marie Balbont, Carla Abboud
Music: Rust
Petra Hawi and Hany Manja
Poetry: Jana Salloum
Costumer: Carla Abboud
Video available upon request.
Photos from "Al mouhaq - a new moon" as performed at the In between festival by British Council Lebanon at the Abroyan Factory, 2022. Photos by: Tarek Haddad