Black

'Black' is an Anglicism that has fallen into common usage, used to designate a black person. Preferred to its French equivalent, it is more politically correct, cooler, safer, we'll say a 'Noir', but not a 'Blanc'. And yet, as Rokhaya Diallo points out, Noir-e is not a dirty word.

© Nina Petitot
© Nina Petitot

The use of this word raises questions. Black plunges with both feet into this questioning. In this solo, Mouss explores and relates through dance his quest for identity as a young black man born in Europe. A complex identity, difficult to place on a map. Too reductive, too static? What exactly does it mean to be 'Black'?

Inspired by a poem by Neiel Israel called When a Black man walks, the solo uses the power of krump, the control of hip hop and the sensuality of dancehall to express the beauty and burden of black identity.

Choreography and direction: Moustapha Sarr — Co-writer: Chrisia Lange — Music: instrumental '4 women' by Nina Simone — Poem: Israël Neiel

Artist

Residencies

30.11.2020 - 04.12.2020

Les Brigittines