Homophobia, sexual violence, and community: a trio of international aces at the Grec

BarcelonaIt's rare that three big names on the international scene coincide in Barcelona with their most cutting-edge shows. The Grec Festival has made it happen by programming this weekend productions by two great figures in contemporary dance, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Christos Papadopoulos, and one of the most unique voices in contemporary theater, Carolina Bianchi. The first two arrive to sold-out venues, and in Bianchi's case, she's about to sell out.

Celebrating life from the Middle East

'Ihsane', by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Greek Theater. July 11 and 12

The latest creation by Belgian and Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (Antwerp, 1976) is based on the murder of Ihsane Jarfi, a gay boy who was killed in Liège in 2012. "He was a Belgian boy with Moroccan roots, like me, and queer, like me. That homophobic and cruel murder unhinged me, because I saw a brother in Ihsane. I felt very connected because when you are from a mixed culture you are very specific," Cherkaoui recalls. From that feeling, the choreographer builds a montage about identity, loss, and memory in which Middle Eastern cultures have a strong presence.

years. "I go back to the 80s, the time of my childhood and youth, and I wonder what legacy he left me. Now that thirty years have passed since his death, I feel like I understand him much better; I am ready to put myself in his shoes," says Cherkaoui. On stage, he brings together dancers from Morocco, Lebanon, and Tunisia from his company, Eastman, with performers from the Ballet of the Grand Théâtre de Genève, which he currently directs. The Middle East. From Europe, we sometimes see it as if it were all one thing. I want to make the differences known and admire its diversity," says Cherkaoui.

A sisterhood about the origin of misogyny

'The Brotherhood', by Carolina Bianchi and Cara de Cavalo. Teatro Libre de Montjuïc. July 11 and 12

The Brazilian Carolina Bianchi (Porto Alegre, 1984) debuted at the Grec Festival in 2023 with a show, The Bride and Good Night Cinderella, that left critics and the public stunnedTwo years later, the artist returns to Barcelona after receiving numerous awards for his work and becoming one of the most unique voices on the international scene. He does so with The Brotherhood, the second part of the Trilogy Chain Force, in which she continues to delve into sexual violence, domination, and the power of men over women. "It's an autobiographical story; I want to talk about sexuality in crisis. I do so with a writing style that stems from a personal perspective, but that offers a perspective of confusion," Bianchi explains about this second piece. The Brotherhood delves into the history of theater and the mark left by great directors. "I'm attracted to artistic geniuses, even from a sexual perspective. How do I manage that influence? What does it mean to navigate a theatrical history that is violent?" explains Bianchi, who says that on stage she wants to pose unanswered questions so that the audience feels challenged. "I want them to make an effort, to have to take a position on what they see and provoke instability," the creator concludes.

Nothing is impossible if we dance together.

'My fierce ignorant step', by Christos Papadopoulos.

When he was 18, the Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos (Nemea, 1982) was convinced that collective effort could lead to a world worth living in. For some time, the artist had lost that vision and needed to recover it. That's why he created My fierce ignorant step, a show with ten dancers on stage that is a hymn to collectivity and living in a community. "This fierce step that the title refers to is the need to fight for each other. We have to find each other and get along. When we dance together, that happens," explains Papadopoulos, who returns to the Grec after debuting in 2022 with Larsen C.

My fierce ignorant step proposes that the dancers move based on what others do, in a metaphor for how we should inhabit the planet. "There are ten people on stage sharing information and being aware of what others are doing. I was inspired by the birds flying in the sky, which we admire for their coordination," the choreographer emphasizes. The soundtrack to this creation is the monumental musical work Axion Esti by Mikis Theodorakis, based on the poetry of Odysseas Elytis. "Theodorakis's music has shaped Greece's collective memories; it has represented the exit from fascism to democracy. When I was 15, I listened to him, and he helped me think about how I wanted to create this world. I've had that in mind my whole life," says Papadopoulos. The aim is to convey optimism and hope: "I want to create that feeling of youth, the conviction that, if we want, we can make things happen."

Extra: the challenging circus of 'Tenet'

'Tenet' by Eunoia Kolectiva. Flower Market. July 11 and 12

In addition to the three international shows, the Grec also hosts a hypnotic and challenging circus production this weekend. Dye, a creation by Eunoia Kolektiva that plays with gravity to reflect uncertainty and chance. Dye It is made up of acrobatics, live music and heart-stopping jumps with a striking aesthetic that will leave the audience speechless.