Renowned French choreographer Mourad Merzouki is bringing his celebrated dance production, Cartes Blanches, to the cultural hub of Bengaluru. This unique show will feature a blend of Indian and French artistry as talented Indian dancers partake in a contemporary dance performance under Merzouki’s expert guidance. This cultural exchange marks another significant contribution by Mourad, who has been continuously making headlines, including his recent work choreographing for the French synchronised swimming team in the upcoming 2024 Olympics.
As the artistic director of Compagnie Käfig, a premier dance company in France that he founded, Mourad Merzouki has been instrumental in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and innovation in dance. His work consistently incorporates diverse elements such as martial arts, fine arts, video, live music, and circus in presenting hip-hop dance. For Cartes Blanches, Mourad’s team collaborated with the French Institute in India and the Prakriti Foundation to conduct auditions and select six exceptional dancers from India.
“Cartes Blanches was conceived in 2016 to commemorate Compagnie Käfig’s 20th anniversary,” Mourad shared during a phone interview. “It serves as both a celebration and a tribute to all who have contributed to our journey over the years. This project is unique as it isn’t a traditional dance drama or a narrative-driven piece. Instead, it’s a platform allowing dancers from our past to manifest their experiences through movement.”
This extraordinary production is not just a look back at Compagnie Käfig’s rich history but also a glimpse into its future. For the first time, Indian dancers will be an integral part of this production. The auditions, meticulously organized by the Prakriti Foundation in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, were intense and comprehensive. The selected dancers—Divieta Sahajwala from Delhi, Sam Padelkar, Deep Das, Sahan Kavarna from Mumbai, and Snigdha Prabakar and Chetan Kumar from Bengaluru—have been rehearsing incessantly with Mourad and his troupe to achieve synchrony and perfection for the upcoming performance.
“Cartes Blanches is distinctive for its inclusion of freestyle and contemporary dance intertwined with acrobatics,” Mourad explained.
. “This eclectic blend is emblematic of my style, infused with references to my own cultural roots. It’s crucial to me that our shows remain dynamic and evolving.”
A significant aspect of Cartes Blanches is its music, which Mourad describes as “world music—poetic and energetic.” He adds, “The score is an original composition, a true synthesis of my artistic vision and style.” The production is crafted for 26 dancers and stretches over an hour, set in a nostalgically designed living room decked with period furniture. The setting serves as a gathering space for the dancers to share their collective memories and journeys through their performances.
After the premiere in Bengaluru, Cartes Blanches will be traveling to other cities, spreading its compelling narrative of cultural confluence and artistic expression.
The eagerly awaited premiere is scheduled for September 7 at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts in Konanakunte, commencing at 8 PM. Tickets are available on Bookmyshow, and interested attendees can call 8754415362 for additional details.
Mourad Merzouki’s visit to India and his continuous engagement with Indian artists highlight a significant cultural exchange, one that holds the promise of inspiring budding dancers and enriching the dance landscape. The inherent blend of freestyle and contemporary movements, heightened with acrobatics, world music, and references to his cultural narratives, ensures that Cartes Blanches is not just a dance show but a mesmerizing cultural tapestry.
Prior to Cartes Blanches, Mourad has already etched his name in the annals of international dance, evidenced by his successful production of Pixel last December in India and his latest project with the French synchronised swimming team for the 2024 Olympics. Compagnie Käfig, under his dynamic leadership, continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop and contemporary dance, compelling audiences worldwide to reimagine the possibilities of movement art. With this cross-cultural endeavor, the foundation is laid for even more extensive artistic collaborations in the future, promising to enrich the global dance community and bridge diverse cultural expressions through the universal language of dance.
Rehearsals for Cartes Blanches are underway, adding the final touches to what promises to be an unforgettable performance that underscores the beauty of collaboration and the power of dance to transcend boundaries.
