Kms of Resistance / Mehdi Dahkan
Sunday, 21 June, 2026 @ 17h30 - Les Subs
Performance
40 min
Les Subs / Verrière
KMs of Resistance is a choreographic and sound performance that explores the primal act of breathing as a means of expressing resistance and inspiring collective action.
It draws inspiration from Aïta, a Moroccan oral tradition historically used to convey messages and incite resistance during the French Protectorate in Morocco. Reimagined in a contemporary context, the work offers a subtle way to confront today’s pressing challenges, especially in times when direct speech is silenced or censored.
In this piece, two performers propose synchronised and choreographic rhythmic sequences using only their breath, voices, and bodies. By centering breath as the essential sonic material of resistance, the work creates a form of protest with no chants and no slogans. Instead, breath becomes a symbolic reminder of what unites us at the most fundamental level: our need for air, our fragility, our interdependence, and the urgency we feel when our survival is at stake.
Mehdi Dahkan
Mehdi Dahkan (b. 1998,Tangier) is a Moroccan choreographer and performer whosework questions socially constructed behaviors and ideologies in contemporary North Africa, using the body to explore resistance and belonging.
He began through breakdancing, parkour, and urban practices before moving towardcontemporary dance and performance. As a performer, he has collaborated with artists andcompanies in Morocco and Europe, including Ballet du Nord, Cie 2k.Far, Cie YSDT, among others.
In 2019, he founded the company Jil Z and created works such as MA’KAN, BNI MAKADA, ONLY14, SUBJECT TO, and KMS OF RESISTANCE, presented internationally.
His practice blends urban and contemporary aesthetics to examine the body as a political and social space, rejecting orientalist narratives in favor of plural representations of the Maghreb.
Cast & Credits
Choreography : Mehdi Dahkan Performance: Mehdi Dahkan, Mohamed Bouriri Lighting Design: Zouheir Atbane Dramaturgical Support: Alice Ripoll
Support Credits
Ettijahat Independent Culture (Rawabet),Forecast Platform, AFAC - Arab Fund For Arts & Culture, Fonds Enowe-Artagon, IN SITU Platform, Le Phare, Centre Chorégraphique National Le Havre, Institut Français du Maroc - Tanger, Centre Chorégraphique Pôle Pik