Omar Rajeh turns solo dance into an act of resistance and connection
Omar Rajeh’s solo Dance Is Not for Us turns dance into an act of resistance and connection, shaped by his experience of political upheaval in Lebanon. The performance matters to Rajeh because he sees choreography as inseparable from political life and collective action.
The piece begins from a crisis in August 2019, when Citerne Beirut, the theatre and cultural centre Rajeh founded, was ordered to close so the site could be used for an incinerator. Now based in Lyon, he performs to percussive music while sharing his thoughts on screen, revealing the doubts and decisions behind making choreography. The work is part of Dance Umbrella, which runs at venues across London and online until 27 October.
- Rajeh makes dance an expression of resistance and a bid for connection.
- His solo reflects on choreography and political life.
- Dance Umbrella runs in London and online until 27 October.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Dance Is Not for Us review – desire and defiance as one revolutionary mover sweats it all out”.