Imagining the Future, Inhabiting the Stage
May 30, 1 PM
Prospero’s cafe-bar
2nd floor, Théâtre Prospero
60 min
This conversation will be held in French and English.
Free
Imaginary worlds, futurism, utopia. Artists Athena Lucie Assamba and Marbella Carlos, also known as Joy Rider, create universes where they fully inhabit their art, values, and multiple cultures. Led by Sovann Rochon-Prom Tep, choreographer, bboy and co-curator of this year’s festival, this conversation offers a glimpse into their poetic and political vision, and into the intelligence of gestures, rhythms, and images they bring to the stage. Marbella and Athena navigate choreographic hybridities — between neo-burlesque and Tinikling, Bikutsi and African urban dance styles — celebrating the heritage of traditional dances while exploring possible futures. The discussion invites reflection on their vision for updating dance practices and on how they shape new imaginaries.
As part of the OFFTA 2026, two talks offer an in-depth look at the practices of the artists featured at the festival. Hosted by the co-curators of this 20th edition, these free events provide an opportunity to delve into the unique worlds of the creators and explore the ideas that inspire their work. This year, they highlight the navigation between cultural heritage, hegemonic culture, hybridities and future imaginaries, offering an opportunity to gain insight into the ways in which artists interrogate the contemporary world and open up new possibilities. invent new possibilities.
