Algerian women 1960

A solo by Saïda Naït-Bouda inspired by the photos of Marc Garanger “Algerian Women 1960” and the poetry “La repatrie” by Sofiane Naït-Bouda.

In 1960 during the Algerian War, Marc Garanger photographed the "natives" as part of the regrouping of populations. The vast majority of women are forced to reveal themselves and allow themselves to be photographed.

Photos Marc Garanger "femmes algériennes 1960".

40 years later, Sofiane Naït-Bouda, 18 years old, son of the choreographer, wrote the poem “La Repatrie”.

No earth on earth

    What steps to take
    The wind has no friend
    The wind has no time

    I carry in my wake voices of voiceless sadness
    My ancestors are only sobs
    Still agonizing after they are silent, after they are silent
    My flesh is of this blood
    Like them I would cry again after having cried
    Like them I would pour this water.

Photo Morena Campani

Through the dancing body, Saïda Naït-Bouda, dancer and choreographer, explores the traces of individual and collective memory.

Photo Philippe Ferrand

Through the practice of trance through dance anchored in ancestral wisdom, an initiatory ritual takes shape between artistic discipline and resilience.

With the veil torn from women as a common thread, the choreography traces the traces of the original pain which at the heart of the movement finds a way out to go beyond victimization.

In a universal meeting where we can share a story that concerns us all.

At a time when memories cannot remain buried, “Algerian Women 1960” is a ritual in black and white. Black of history, black on white of images and words, white of verticality and transformation.

Photos Morena Campani