“4000 Km Untitled” Second Performance
In recognition of the necessity of valuing African cultural heritage and enhancing the values of solidarity and peace, "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" organization hosted a group of specialized artists in performing and visual arts within the context of an artistic bootcamp titled "4000 km untitled." As part of our art bootcamp, the second performance of “4000 km untitled” took place at El Hamra Theater in Tunis on February 14th, 2024. The performance artistically depicted many aspects surrounding the issue of migration and its challenges, as a step towards establishing values of tolerance, solidarity, and enhancing cooperation within the African continent.
“4000 Km Untitled” First Performance
In recognition of the necessity of valuing African cultural heritage and enhancing the values of solidarity and peace, "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" organization hosted a group of specialized artists in performing and visual arts within the context of an artistic bootcamp titled "4000 km untitled." As part of our art bootcamp, the first performance of “4000 km untitled” took place at “No Name” artistic studio lab in Gabes on February 13th, 2024. The performance artistically depicted many aspects surrounding the issue of migration and its challenges, as a step towards establishing values of tolerance, solidarity, and enhancing cooperation within the African continent.
“4000 Km Untitled” Artistic Bootcamp
"4000 Km Untitled" is an artistic bootcamp aimed at valorizing the African identity through performing and visual arts. The program ran from February 5th to 12th, 2024, at the "No Name" artistic studio lab in Gabes, gathering 5 artists from various regions of Tunisia. During this period, multiple issues were addressed focusing on artistic mediums (body, sound, and light) and research studies, with the aim of exploring the political, economic, social, environmental, and historical impacts affecting the lives of African continent residents, particularly those heading towards the North of the Mediterranean Sea. The initiative also critiques colonial-imposed governance systems and borders that negatively impacted universal human rights. It highlights the shared natural resources and intangible heritage between the North and South of the African continent. Through artistic efforts and field research, an artistic presentation was embodied to translate the dark reality of migration and its ensuing forms of exclusion and discrimination.
“Noon” Performance by Ahmed Guerfel (DCS x WADE into ACTIVISM)
"Misahat Noon" is an artistic initiative undertaken by "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" representing a year-long collaborative effort. The primary objective of this endeavor is to combat and shed light on the pervasive issue of violence against women. As part of its commitment to this cause, "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" actively participated in "WADEintoACTIVISM," a 16-day performing arts festival curated and produced by WADE, focusing on the urgent need to take action against gender-based violence and discrimination. Within the festival, two performances entitled "Noon" unfolded at the Art On Site studio in NYC on November 25th, 2023. Spearheaded by the artist Ahmed Guerfel, who serves as the Executive Director of "Danseurs Citoyens Sud". These performances integrated dance, visuals, and sound. Through these artistic mediums, "Noon" portrayed the critical and often challenging situations faced by Tunisian females in their homeland. The profound narrative aimed to not only uncover the harsh realities but also to inspire awareness, empathy, and a collective call to action against gender-based violence. Going beyond mere representation, "Noon" provided a critical examination of the application of policies designed to protect women and uphold principles of justice and tangible equality. Hence, the performances served as a powerful medium to depict and critique the effectiveness
Art Bootcamp H²: Music as a Healing Tool
H², short for Hear and Heal, is an artistic bootcamp that has been held from December 2nd to December 6th, 2023 at “No Name - Artistic Studio Lab” in Gabes, Tunisia. It was orchestrated by "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" organization in collaboration with "Sounds of Change", a foundation dedicated to training aid workers and educators in the integration of music as an empowering tool. Facilitated by two esteemed artists with extensive experience in the realm of music, participants were not only guided in refining their musical skills but were also immersed in a journey of self-discovery. Accordingly, the philosophy underlying this artistic bootcamp lies in the belief that music possesses the potential to ignite positive change amidst diverse struggles and painful human experiences. Within this experience, nine participants, hailing from diverse backgrounds and origins, actively collaborated and created powerful connections. Remarkably, they managed to uncover and celebrate commonalities in a poignant manner, showcasing the unifying and healing potential of music. In essence, the bootcamp not only elevated musical skills but also became a platform for forging connections, fostering understanding, and amplifying the impact of art in addressing shared human challenges.
Performing Arts Experience
The "Art for Climate Justice" festival was a collaborative effort between “Danseurs Citoyens Sud” , "Hivos," "collective creative", the "stop pollution" movement, and the "Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment." It was held from October 1st to 7th, 2023 at No Name - artistic studio lab. This event united six talented performing artists, each hailing from diverse backgrounds, to vividly depict the environmental challenges faced in Gabes. Through a captivating fusion of art and activism, the performing arts team conveyed the pressing environmental concerns in Gabes with great depth, leaving a profound impact on the emotions and thoughts of the audience. Their performance is a profound exploration of space, time, and the human body as vehicles for climate justice expression. It starts in an energetically charged void, symbolizing the urgency of our climate crisis, and evolves into new dimensions. Embracing the "Here and Now," it captures the immediate need for action. Through raw vocalization and expressive breathing, it emotionally engages the audience, highlighting the critical importance of climate justice. Hence, it was a heartfelt journey that invoked strong emotions and served as an urgent call for action. This artistic endeavor successfully illuminated the dire need for climate justice in the region, urging
Noon Exhibition: A Tribute to Empower Women Silenced by Violence
"MISAHAT NOON" is an initiative dedicated to honoring the women whose voices have been repressed by violence. This project is a year-long endeavor that delves deep into the root causes and far-reaching consequences of gender-based violence, exploring its impact on individuals and entire communities. Hence, our mission is to ensure that the victims’ names are never forgotten. One substantial part of the project incorporated the creation of a poignant showcase entitled "Noon Exhibition", a collaborative effort between the talented photographer Jilani Ben Cheikh and the organization “Danseurs Citoyens Sud”. The esteemed artist conducted a month-and-a-half-long artistic residency where he aimed to present an art exhibition with various expressions, primarily based on photographic images, at the premises of "No Name" Artistic Studio Lab. After its opening on July 30 at the Cultural Center 'NO NAME’, "NOON" exhibition became a powerful reflection of the program's results and outcomes. Through the impactful medium of powerful photographs, it conveyed essential messages advocating for the urgent need to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality and peaceful coexistence.As attendees visited the exhibition, they were granted a distinct chance to intimately connect with the artworks, thereby acquiring a more profound insight into the hardships confronted by marginalized women.
15 Street Performances Reflecting on Social, Political, and Economic Realities
From February 25 to March 1st, 2023, a series of 15 art performances were held in five regions of southern Tunisia: Gabes, Medenine, Djerba, Sfax, and Tataouine. These performances were the culmination of an Artistic Bootcamp held in Gabes at No Name Artistic Studio Lab, where a group of artists came together to create a street art performance that reflected their perspectives on Tunisia's current social, political, and economic realities. The performances were a combination of dance, theater, and music, and they aimed to share their vision with a message of acceptance, inclusion, and unity with different communities. Each performance location had its own distinct cultural and historical significance, adding to the overall experience of the audience. GABES: The first three performances were held in Gabes governorate at No Name Artistic Studio Lab, Matmata, and 2 March Square in Beb Bhar. The performances received a mixed response from the audience, with some expressing genuine emotion and others shouting violent words at the performers. Despite this, the artists persisted, and through their powerful and moving performance, they left a lasting imprint on those who witnessed it. SFAX: The performances in Sfax governorate took place in three different locations: 100 meters street in Sfax Center, Mahres region,
Artistic Bootcamp Feb 2023: A Diverse and Inspiring Showcase of Tunisian Talent
Aspiring amateur and professional artists had a rare opportunity to showcase their abilities and skills in performing arts at the Artistic Bootcamp in Gabes Governorate, held from February 20 to 24. Hosted at DCS's No Name Artistic Studio Lab private center, the bootcamp provided the ideal place for artists to delve into their work and bring their creativity to life. The bootcamp brought together a diverse and unique group of 9 participants from various regions of Tunisia, including Gabes, Tunis, Monastir, and Sfax. Despite their differing viewpoints, they shared a common goal: to create a work of art that reflected their perspective toward the current social, political, and economic realities. Under the guidance of Mr. Tarak Bouzid, a highly regarded choreographer, the group underwent a rigorous program that deepened their artistic skills and created a street performance that would captivate and move audiences. Participants were encouraged to explore diverse techniques and approaches to dance and performance, and to push the boundaries of their own creativity. The final piece was a representation of the artists' life experiences that served as inspiration, emphasizing the need for certain individuals to be accepted and recognized in their society. The performance was a powerful statement on their current
Belfallegui Bootcamp: Empowering Southern Tunisia’s Marginalized Communities
From 14 to 17 February, we had the privilege of hosting the Belfallegui Bootcamp - a unique opportunity to engage with hard-to-reach older people in the south of Tunisia and discuss the problems facing their communities. Led by expert facilitator Houcine Rhili, the bootcamp was a resounding success, with participants sharing their experiences, learning from others, and brainstorming innovative solutions to the challenges facing their communities. The Belfallegui Bootcamp aimed to open a safe space among hard-to-reach communities, particularly the elderly population, in the four southern regions of Gabes, Medenine, Tataouine, and Sfax. Through open and honest dialogue, we hoped to motivate these communities to share their viewpoints and take an active role in shaping their regions's destiny. The bootcamp was held in four different regions: Matmata in Gabes, Ezzahra in Tataouine, Medenine City, and Sfax City. Each session involved interactive discussions and activities, led by experienced facilitator Houcine Rhili. Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from others, and brainstorm innovative solutions to the challenges facing their community. In conclusion the Belfallegui Bootcamp was an incredible opportunity to empower Tunisia's marginalized communities and promote open dialogue. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to facilitator Houcine Rhili for his