After several residencies in Tunis and Amsterdam, the world premiere of F.A.S.L. was warmly received in Tunis on 29 November.

Among the enthusiastic audience was the Dutch Ambassador from the embassy in Tunis. One of the visitors shared an online message that beautifully captured the spirit of the evening:

“…I left the theatre truly fascinated, wishing that we could feel this kind of human connection in our daily lives. Life is so wonderful, yet we often miss its richness. This performance reminded me that it is never too late, at any age, to truly live….”

This co-production with the Ballet de l’Opéra de Tunis marks an important collaboration between two artistic institutions dedicated to bridging artistic languages across continents. The creative exchange and joint research lay the foundation for a long-term vision of developing new work between Amsterdam and Tunis.

For this performance, Emio Greco and Pieter C. Scholten drew from the dynamic and often complex relationship between Europe and the Maghreb, transforming cultural contrasts into a shared physical language. Inspired by Mediterranean rhythms, the voices of the desert, and the pulse of the contemporary city, the work unfolds in nine movements where breath, sound, and bodies intertwine. Dancers from ICK Dans Amsterdam and the Ballet de l’Opéra de Tunis meet on stage in a choreography that unites friction, resonance, and collective energy.

The dancers move among microphones and stands that gradually evolve into extensions of their physical presence, merging sound and movement into one living organism. This hybrid form highlights the vulnerability of bodies inhabiting a cultural space and shaping a shared identity.