Oqda is a new outdoor show by Etta Ermini Dance Theatre featuring hand balancing, traditional Moroccan acrobatics and urban dance in a touching exploration of cultural differences.
Three people are held at a border, preconceived and unable to communicate as they don’t speak each other’s language. Through humour and storytelling the three performers use their own art forms as a technique to communicate and overcome personal judgements.
Inspired by chance meetings and impromptu conversations, Oqda (Knot in Arabic) brings to life a series of creative expressions as the characters first establish their differences, then their points in common. This concept is explored through an exchange of artistic skills: venturing into new territories to learn elements of each other’s disciplines. Oqda is a metaphor of peace, overcoming preconceptions and accepting the ‘other’ in a multicultural, diverse society.
Etta Ermini Dance Theatre
Etta Ermini Dance Theatre was established in 2005 as an outdoor arts company. Working and performing in the UK and internationally, they use an interdisciplinary approach to examine relationships through an array of creative disciplines, humour, and non-verbal storytelling.
Their repertoire work ‘Roadworks’, ‘Picnic’ and 'Bar Story' has been touring in the UK and abroad since 2009.
Oqda is their latest production set to premiere in 2021.
Practical
Practical Information
Set-up: Outdoor
Running time: 25 minutes
Touring party: 4 (2 UK, 2 France)
Minimum tech requirement: 8m x 8m hard standing with dance floor, Stereo PA playback with minijack input
Participation and Engagement Activities
The company offers a practical workshop, delivered by professional artists, exploring art forms presented in the performance:
Traditional Moroccan acrobatic techniques with professional acrobatic duo Mohammed Hammich and Wahib Hammich
Hip Hop movement styles with Emma Houston
Get in touch with connect@splitsecond.org.uk to find out more.
Credits
Devised and Performed: Mohammed Hammich, Wahib Hammich, Emma Houston Directed: Etta Ermini
Dancer for R+D: Amber Cayasso
Commissioned by Roundabout Europe
Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
Supported by Centre 151
Contact
