Inspired by the Lila ceremonies, traditional mystical and musical celebrations of his native Morocco, Ismaël Mouaraki explores trance with a group of male dancers from Quebec and Morocco in his newest creation. Through them, the French-Moroccan-Canadian retraces his own journey before the eyes of the public. Meaning “night” in Arabic, a “Lila” is a set of nocturnal healing rituals that blends singing, dancing and music, traditionally found in some North African countries. Ismaël transposes the rites and codes of these dance rituals onto the stage, while infusing his signature contemporary street dance style to reveal the sensitivity and sensuality of the male body. Tinted with the tastes and colors of Morocco, the artists transform the performance into a celebration and exaltation of bodies that unfolds with an undeniable energy.
Le sacre de Lila is a very personal project born from Mouraki’s childhood memories in the Maghreb. It reveals his deep connection to Morocco and the Arab world that is intertwined with evocations of France where he was born and Quebec where he grew up—three territories, rooted and embedded in his body. In 2023, the piece received the award for the best choreographic work at Prix de la Danse de Montréal, given by the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec. This highly symbolic work marks the 25 years of Ismaël Mouaraki’s immigration and the 20 years of his company Destins Croisés.
Co-presented with L’Alliance New York’s Crossing The Line Festival.
