After the worldwide success of Nya, first piece created in 2010 for the dancers of the Contemporary Ballet of Algiers as part of the Franco-Algerian Mediterranean Cultural Bridge project, Abou Lagraa wished to continue this adventure by associating dancers of the company La Baraka and dancers of the Contemporary Ballet of Algiers.
To talk about his African roots and love, the choreographer has chosen as a common thread the singer Nina Simone, the most African of divas. The bewitching voice of the genius pianist, rejected, censored because of her skin color but always proud and combative, accompanies the two vibrant quartets that make up the evening. The first, danced by La Baraka, reactivates one of the choreographer's favourite motifs: love in the pas de deux. The second quartet danced by the Ballet Contemporain d'Alger with hip hop technique, explores the question of identity. This journey builds a bridge between people and cultures.
In Univers… L'Afrique, Tribute to Nina Simone, a two-part show, two quartets perform love and freedom on songs by Nina Simone, the most African American divas.
First part: (Cie La Baraka)
Black is the colour of my true loves hair, Plain gold ring, You can have him, Love me or Leave Me
Second part: (Ballet Contemporain d'Alger)
Westwind, Why? (The king of love is dead), Funkier than a mosquito