Groundbreaking Dance Show in Tunisia Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion
In an innovative dance performance in Tunisia, individuals with disabilities, including a performer in a wheelchair, a blind dancer, and another with Down syndrome, share the stage.
Choreographer Andrew Graham emphasizes that the show is not focused on disability but rather celebrates diversity and inclusion, involving migrants and LGBTQ artists. The production, titled “Lines,” premiered at the Dream City Festival in Tunis and brings together 15 dancers from various segments of society, offering an opportunity for mutual support and sharing.
Despite challenges, Tunisia has recently witnessed a wave of racial violence targeting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, prompting some individuals to go into hiding.
Andrew Graham, a Franco-British dance artist, envisions the show as a means to break down barriers and engage audiences with the dance itself, regardless of the performers’ backgrounds.
Graham aspires to take this ambitious show on a global tour across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, hoping to continue spreading the message of inclusivity. The performance incorporates various elements, including rhythmic “hadr犀利士 a” chants from the Muslim Sufi tradition and electronic music beats.
One of the performers, Iyed, is a 13-year-old visually impaired singer and dancer who studies at a prestigious music conservatory in Tunis. During the show, he is lifted into the air by fellow performers. His mother, Hakima Bessoud, left her tourism job to accompany him to the conservatory and is proud to share the stage with her son.
In a testament to the show’s commitment to diversity, openly gay dancer and actor Ahmed Tayaa is also part of the ensemble. He expresses amazement at witnessing his sister Nourhene, who has Down syndrome, perform in the show, emphasizing that everyone has their unique abilities and qualities.
“Lines” is hailed as a paradise for individuals with all kinds of differences, offering a unique experience for both the performers and the audience. It challenges preconceived notions about what a dancer should be and showcases the limitless potential of the human body.