Facing the Blank Page

Facing the Blank Page Choreographed by Omar Rajeh.

In his new solo creation, Omar Rajeh collaborates with sound composer Pablo Palacio to question the presence and materialization of his own body. Creating and performing the solo, Omar highlights and questions the links between the artist and his work of art, the author and the text.

The body is onstage. It is not seeking representation. It is simply being what it is. Without associations to identity, culture, religion, politics and other labels, would this body be able to stand on its own? And if so, what does it mean? Is it seen in its immediacy or always associated with a preconceived idea, word, image, action? It is a journey in movement and construction, a spontaneous play of and by the body.

About the choreographer/ company

Omar Rajeh, choreographer, dancer, and artistic director of Maqamat Dance Theatre, studied at the Lebanese University (diploma in Theatre Arts), and at the University of Surrey, England (MA Dance Studies). In 2002, he founded Maqamat Dance Theatre in Beirut and choreographed numerous pieces for the company that have been performed locally and internationally. Omar is the founder of BIPOD, an annual contemporary dance festival in Beirut, which presents the work of local and international companies and is one of the most important platforms for contemporary dance in the Arab World. In 2009 he founded TAKWEEN–Beirut Contemporary Dance School (in partnership with Sasha Waltz and Guests), an intensive training program for professional dancers and choreographers.

The work that Omar Rajeh has been developing in Beirut is essential for the cultural and artistic scene in the city, in particular the contemporary dance scene. His work, intense and powerful, pushes the boundaries of dance in a country that has passed through difficult times and suffered so much.

Special Formula:Produced by Maqamat Dance Theatre

Special Feature:Tickets available at Antoine Ticketing
Seats are limited

Cast & Credits

Omar Rajeh Choreography / Dance
Pablo Palacio Music Composition
Mia Habis Costume Design

Recorded music
Min Ed Eh Kunna Hina – Mohamed Abdul Wahab
Nani – Anonymous / interpreted by Fadia Tomb El-Hage Contralto
Mahmoud Turkmani Guitar

Produced by Maqamat Dance Theatre