AL MOUHAQ investigates modern-day femicide through the persecution, erasure and annihilation of the witch. 

SYNOPSIS 
In Between festival is happy to present this new collaborative performance between Al Sarab Dance Company and Rust. This work is in continuation of Domestica (f.) | Maga, a project by Laetitia El Hakim, artist, and performer, who took part in the CATAPULT.visual’arts programme initiated by British Council Lebanon.

AL MOUHAQ - A NEW MOON
Witches have inhabited popular imaginaries for centuries, following a systematic witch trial that terrorized Europe with the most gruesome happening between the 16th and 17th centuries. Research has 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 rewritten? Can a new cycle emerge after annihilation?

PARTNERS
AL SARAB DANCE COMPANY
Al Sarab Dance Company (ASDC) Is located in Byblos, Lebanon. Just like its name states, Al-Sarab – Arabic for mirage – aims to transport its audience into a world where everything is possible; Where everyone can dance, including its audience. ASDC is known for its audience-interactive performances, as well as its multi-disciplinary collaborations with artists from around the world. The company was established by Nadra Assaf in 1991. Since then, it has grown to showcase the artistic excellence and innovative choreography of all its members.

RUST
Rust is a Beirut-based musical project that combines traditional Arabic vocals with a palette of unique synthesized sounds, creating an altered, transcendental experience. Formed by Petra Hawi: Vocals and Hany Manja: Synths.
Coming from different musical backgrounds, Petra and Hany share a common interest and vision: to revive the Arabic musical tradition in a new way that resonates with this generation’s tastes.
Rust seeks out ancient poetry from the Arab world, composing melodies over the traditional Arabic Oud, then arranging the song’s structure over an electronic gear where the final sound is formed.

Creative Director: Laetitia El Hakim
Choreography: Al Sarab Dance Company (ASDC)
Dancers: Nadra Assaf, Sarah Fadel, Laetitia El Hakim, Myriam Barakat, Rana Balbont, Carla Abboud
Music: Rust Petra Hawi and Hany Manja
Lyrics: Jana Salloum
Costumer: Carla Abboud

NOTICE
Notice of Filming and Photography:  Photography, audio, and video recording may occur at the event premises. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction for reporting, press and public relations purposes, and promotional use.  

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