Dérive Casablancaise Amplifies the Voices of Palestinian and Lebanese Artists in a Time of Resilience

From the shores of Beirut to Gaza, this art initiative becomes a tapestry where untold stories are whispered and bold visions collide.

Marrakech – As the city prepares to host the second edition of Dérive Casablancaise, a cultural explosion is on the horizon.

Taking place from December 4 to 8, the city will become a canvas for bold, thought-provoking performances, films, and workshops, all designed to spark conversation and reflection on the contemporary issues that define our world today.

This year’s theme asks a crucial question: In a time of profound global challenges, how can artists use their platforms to engage, provoke, and push boundaries?

The answers will unfold through a series of innovative, immersive experiences that weave together the political and artistic threads of the Mediterranean region.

Putting on display the works of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Moroccan artists, Dérive Casablancaise 2024 is a meeting point for cultures, histories, and futures.

These artists will share their dreams, their struggles, and their visions, using theater, dance, music, literature, and cinema as tools of expression. At a time where many of these artists’ homelands are in complete devastation, this expression of solidarity and culture may be needed more than ever.

You can expect moments of creativity that not only entertain but also open minds, challenge perspectives, and offer new ways of thinking.

Whether it’s the captivating dance performance “La Lecture” by Nacera Belaza, or the powerful poetry readings from Rana Issa, this year’s program promises a rich, sensory experience that invites the audience to both witness and participate in the creation of art.

The program will take place in various iconic locations across Casablanca, from the Théâtre 121 to the iconic Cinéma Ritz, making the entire city a stage for creativity and collaboration.

While the program includes intimate workshops and discussions, like the “Ordinary Sounds” dance workshop with Khouloud Yassine, there will also be moments of grandeur, including film screenings like “Foragers” by Jumana Manna, followed by insightful conversations.

This event isn’t just about showcasing art; it’s about dialogue. About how art can heal, provoke, and transform.

And above all, it’s about the power of collaboration – artists from across the Mediterranean will come together, not just to perform, but to engage in a deeper, shared exploration of identity, memory, and hope.

This initiative is organized by the Association Les Rencontres de la Danse (AR2D) under the leadership of choreographer Meryem Jazouli, with support from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the city council of Casablanca, and various cultural institutions.

So, mark your calendars. Dérive Casablancaise is back, and it’s ready to challenge, inspire, and ignite a new wave of cultural dialogue across the Mediterranean.