Theatre / Performance

Dance is Not for Us / Omar Rajeh / Maqamat

Silk Street, London

Fri 16 Oct · 19:45

Theatre

About this event

Both a personal memoir and a political act, this intimate solo performance asks what it means to keep dancing when everything around you says stop. Alone onstage, Omar Rajeh dances and speaks of a past that no longer exists – of Lebanon, of loss, of a world that froze before it could become a future. Raw, urgent and deeply human, the piece draws on maqam, Rajeh's practice of instant composition where the dancing body creates its own rules, logic and hope. Performance becomes a gathering, a space where artist and audience enter into a shared experience that pushes back against fear and normalisation. Omar Rajeh is a choreographer and cultural architect whose practice spans performance, participation and moving image. He is the founder of Maqamat and the Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD), and is the recipient of France's Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2026 , London’s leading festival of international dance, this show brings bold choreography and fresh perspectives to the stage. Age guidance: 12 + Running time: 1h (no interval) Languages: Spoken text in Arabic, written text in English and Arabic. Allergen warning: Live basil will be used in the performance. Post show talk: A free post show talk will occur after the performance on Friday 16 October with members of the company in the Pit and will be available to all ticket holders. Presented by Dance Umbrella and Barbican. A production of Cie Omar Rajeh & Maqamat. Special thanks to CN D à Lyon, Sima Performing Arts, Al-Serkal Avenue, Amadeus école de danse et de musique With the support of the DRAC - Auvergne Rhône-Alpes. This performance is supported by the Programme international de diffusion artistique (PIDA). Creative team Omar Rajeh concept & choreography Mia Habis assistant choreographer Peggy Olislaegers dramaturgical advice Charbel Harber music composition Joss Turnbull music composition Julien Laurent technician Valentin Crépain co-ordination & diffusion Sandrine Orlando administrator