DANCE IN ANCIENT MESSENE
22.07 | 20:00 [60+]
Ancient Messene – Ecclesiasterion
The Kalamata International Dance Festival returns to the archaeological site of Ancient Messene for the second time after 16 years, proposing a distinctive experience that connects the site with its history while reactivating its collective dimension in the present.
The Odeon of Messene, also known as the Ecclesiasterion, functioned in antiquity as a multi-purpose space primarily dedicated to the community, hosting theatrical and musical events as well as public assemblies of a political nature. Within this historical framework, the Festival’s artistic curation brings forward once again the collective character of the site and the importance of communal gathering.
AMAZIGH IN SITU [30′]
This new creation directly follows the line of Filipe Lourenço’s ongoing artistic research, begun in 2018 with his solo Pulse(s) and developed further through his ensemble pieces Gouâl and CHEB. His artistic approach draws deeply on his own identity as a dancer—first shaped by a solid background as an Arab-Andalusian musician and by training in traditional dances of the Maghreb, then enriched by a career in contemporary dance (working with Catherine Diverrès, Olivier Dubois, Georges Appaix, Christian Rizzo, Michèle Noiret, Boris Charmatz, among others).
This unique trajectory defines the specificity of his creative process, which he now continues with the creation of a new piece for five performers.
After exploring a warrior dance known as Alaoui from the Rif region in his 2021 creation GOUÂL, this time Filipe Lourenço draws his inspiration from research into another traditional form: Ahidous, a collective Berber dance from Central Morocco (the Middle Atlas). This dance—one of the most valued forms of collective bodily and poetic expression among Middle Atlas communities—has often accompanied festive occasions until quite recently.
The challenge here is not to reverse gender divisions but to deconstruct them—to lift the prohibitions that have traditionally shaped the female gaze or excluded women from the transmission of these practices. As always, Filipe Lourenço’s choreographic writing seeks the total physical and emotional engagement of the body, embracing a critical dimension driven by a strong desire to bring ancestral traditions into dialogue with contemporary forms.
DJ-SET ΜΕ ΤΟΝ AMINE NOURI [30’+]
The Dancing with the Community initiative is a new section that seeks to create opportunities for audience participation, inviting people to move from the role of spectators into a shared collective experience, while reminding us that dance is accessible to everyone.
Following the completion of the first part, the performance’s musician for Amazigh in Situ, Amine Nouri, continues to play, organically extending the connection between audience and action and deepening the relationship with the archaeological site of Ancient Messene.
Choreography & Concept: Filipe Lourenço
Assistant Choreographer: Deborah Lary
Dance Performers: Youness Aboulakoul, Mithkal Alzghair, Ema
Bertaud, Kerem Gelebek, Alice Lada
Musician Performer: Amine Nouri
Music: Filipe Lourenço, Amine Nouri
Costumes: Khalid Benghrib
Technical Preparation: François Michaudel
Production: Compagnie Filipe Lourenço / PLAN-K
Co-producers: Maison de la Culture de Bourges – Scène nationale; Scène nationale de l’Essonne Agora-Desnos; Théâtre d’Orléans – Scène nationale; Théâtre de Corbeil-Essonnes Grand Paris Sud; L’Arc – Scène nationale au Creusot; Opéra de Limoges; Espace 1789 – Saint-Ouen; Espaces Pluriels – Scène conventionnée, Pau; National Choreographic Centre of Roubaix; National Choreographic Centre of Grenoble; National Choreographic Centre of Nancy; Ballet de Lorraine; Danse à tous les étages – CDCN itinérant en Bretagne.
With the support of:
Presented in July 2025 at La belle scène saint-denis, a programme of Théâtre Louis Aragon, a nationally accredited venue for art and creation (dance) in Tremblay-en-France, with the support of the City of Tremblay-en-France, the Département of Seine-Saint-Denis, the French Ministry of Culture (DRAC Île-de-France), CND – National Centre for Dance, ADAMI, and ONDA.
Compagnie Filipe Lourenço / PLAN-K is supported by the French Ministry of Culture (DRAC Centre–Val de Loire) for the development of its projects. It has also received project funding from the Regional Council of Centre–Val de Loire.
With the support of the French Institute in Serbia and Teatroskop, a programme initiated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the French Ministry of Culture, and Institut Français Paris.
The evening at Ancient Messene is co-organised with the Society of Messenian Archaeological Studies, the Municipality of Messene and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia.
Audience members are kindly requested to arrive at the archaeological site in good time, as reaching the Ecclesiasterion via the designated route requires a short walk. Arrival at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event is recommended.
Visitors are advised to avoid wearing shoes with thin soles or high heels, as these may damage the ancient marble surfaces and make movement within the site more difficult. As part of the waiting period and access route takes place outdoors, the use of a hat, sunscreen, and light clothing is recommended, particularly during periods of high temperatures.
To protect the archaeological site and its monuments, smoking and the consumption of food, coffee, or alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Only water may be brought into the site. Food and beverage services will be available exclusively at the refreshment kiosk operating during the event.
To ensure the smooth running of the performance, photography and video recording are not permitted during the event.
For safety reasons, audience members are required to follow the instructions of the site personnel, who will provide guidance both upon entry to and exit from the archaeological site. At the conclusion of the event, visitors are kindly requested to collect any personal waste, such as plastic water bottles, and dispose of it in the appropriate bins.
Entry by free admission ticket.
