The Assassination of Omar Rajeh

choreographed and directed by Omar Rajeh



This new international co-production of Maqamat, centers on the idea of ‘Refusal and Elimination’; assassinations of journalists in Lebanon as a starting point for the work. The creation focuses on the importance of the written word and the dangers of expressing dissenting opinions.   Parallel to this, the topic will be dealt with from a very personal perspective. Omar as a choreographer and dancer working and living in Beirut questions the use of dance and its worth in front of such drastic incidents. What do we do with our bodies? Where do we go with our bodies? …… Can I do anything? Do I have to do something?   “The act of assassination targeting journalists fighting for freedom of expression, human rights, and a democratic civil society is an act of elimination against words, voices and bodies of “Refusal”. It is an act that aims to terrorize free thought and kill hope of change. It is an act against ‘me’ … my body… my presence”.

For more information on the work: www.omarrajeh.com
performance dates and touring

Monday 29th of November 2010
8:30 pm | Opera Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt

Saturday 16th of October 2010
3:00 pm | Sidance, Seoul, Korea

Sunday 29th of August 2010
8:30 pm | Archauz Choreografisk centre, Aarhus, Denmark

Saturday 28th of August 2010
8:30 pm | Archauz Choreografisk centre, Aarhus, Denmark

Friday 30th of April 2010
8:00 pm | Patrick Center, Birmingham Hippodrome, International Dance Festival Birmingham, UK

Wednesday 24th of February 2010
8:30 pm | Rhoda Mac Gay, Woking Dance festival, London, UK

Monday 7th of December 2009
8:30 pm | Stadsschouwburg Utrecht, Dancing on the edge Festival, Netherlands

Sunday 6th of December 2009
8:30 pm | Rotterdamse Schouwburg, Dancing on the edge Festival, Netherlands

Thursday 3rd of December 2009
8:30 pm | Grand Theatre de Groningen, Dancing on the edge Festival, Netherlands

Tuesday 1st of December 2009
8:30 pm | Amsterdam Stadsschouwburg, Dancing on the edge Festival, Netherlands

Friday 27th of November 2009
8:00 pm | Theatre de l’Agora, scene nationale d’Evry et de l’Essone, France

Thursday 26th of November 2009
8:00 pm | Theatre de l’Agora, scene nationale d’Evry et de l’Essone, France

Thursday 12th of November 2009
8:30 pm | Kunstlerhaus Mousonturm, Frankfurt, Germany

Sunday 8th of November 2009
8:30 pm | Tanzhaus-Nrw, Dusseldorf, Germany

Saturday 7th of November 2009
8:30 pm | Tanzhaus-Nrw, Dusseldorf, Germany

Thursday 15th of October 2009
8:30 pm | Al Madina Theatre, Beirut, Lebanon

Saturday 30th of May 2009
8:30 pm | Bonlieu Scène Nationale d'Anncey, Extra-09, Anncey, France


cast and credits

Choreographed and directed by Omar Rajeh Performed by Ahmad Ghossein, Mia Habis, Lisette Chehadeh, Ali Chahrour, and Omar Rajeh    Music Composed by Najib Charradi – Weshm Singing by Najib Charradi. Solo for Ahmad Ghossein composed by Jean Madani   Electronic. Sound treatment Joel Rayan
Production Manager Sara Boutine  Scenography Fadi Yeni Turk  Sound Engineer Basel Kassem
Projection Graphics Mariam Agha, Omar Safa   Research and documentation Mazen Maarouf

Produced by Maqamat  & Bonlieu Scène Nationale Annecy-France,Co-produced by Théâtre de l’Agora, Scène Nationale d’Evry et de l’Essonne-France, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Amsterdam-Netherlands, and Tanzhaus-nrw, Dusseldorf.