Näss (People) - Fouad Boussouf live at The Red Theater

• What happens when the raw energy of 1970s Moroccan music meets the visceral pulse of contemporary hip hop?

In Näss (People), choreographer Fouad Boussouf orchestrates a high-octane encounter between seven men, blending traditional North African rhythms with fierce, urban movement. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Moroccan Gnawa musical pioneers Nass el Ghiwane, Boussouf finds a powerful analogy in hip hop’s own quest for identity and roots. The performance is a profound, hypnotic rite; a sacred commotion that bridges cultural heritage with modern, unbridled expression.

On stage, the performers confront one another through a stack of diverse techniques, each dancer fiercely committed to his own unique style and strength. Boussouf masterfully orchestrates this group dynamic, keeping the audience on edge through an unending evolution of movement. Infused with the nuances and colors of his native Morocco, where the company retreated during rehearsals to find the work's pulse, the choreography seamlessly weaves urban dance styles into a grand, trance-like experience.

“The story of the famous 70s Maghreb Moroccan group Nass el Ghiwane was an important element in inspiring me to create this work. The lyrics and language they used reminded me of the strange link they had to popular protests of that time, and the rap and hip hop culture of that time in the United States. In their lyrics, I found strong hip hop vibes involving ancestral traditions, which are still valid and alive. I created Näss like a breath, physical and mystical, reminding me how essential it is to remain anchored to the earth, feeling its vibrations.” - Fouad Boussouf