a Journy to South Korea
“Choreographer Hadi Nahleh’s ‘Crossing’ transcends cultural boundaries, exploring themes of transcendence and healing through movement, light, and sound at the Asia Culture Center in South Korea.”
Between the Western Asian Artist and Gwangju: The Journey to Connect the Two.
In “L’Homme nomade,” Jacques Attali emphasizes the importance of embracing both nomadism and settlement, stating that the future of civilization lies in the acceptance of both. This sentiment resonates deeply with the journey of choreographer Hadi Nahleh, whose work transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, particularly through his performance piece “Crossing.”
A Journey of Transcendence in South Korea
Hadi Nahleh, Founder of Studio 8, traveled to South Korea as part of the 2023 Asia Art and Cultural Exchange program, aimed at bridging the cultural gap between West Asia and Korea. His journey was not just a physical one but also a spiritual exploration, as he brought his performance “Crossing” to the stage at the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju. This performance reflects Hadi’s deep reflections on transcendence, exploring themes of displacement, despair, healing, and recovery.
Dance in the May 18th National Cemetery
As part of the exchange program, the group visited the May 18th National Cemetery, where Hadi was asked to perform an impromptu dance to honor the history and significance of the site. His movements, infused with a deep sense of respect and commemoration, captured the emotional weight of the cemetery, blending the personal and collective memory into a shared experience of hope and recovery.
Hadi is bringing new concept into movment
Preparing for “Crossing”
In ACC Theater 3, Hadi and his team meticulously prepared “Crossing,” a performance that intertwines movement, light, sound, and perspective. The technical complexity of the piece was a testament to the power of collaboration that transcends cultural and linguistic differences. The performance is rooted in Islamic art, experimenting with geometry and ritual, creating a visual and thematic representation of the journey toward transcendence.
"We're infusing choreography with new perspectives—it's all about transcending boundaries through movement."
A Conversation with the Artist
After the performance, a Q&A session provided an opportunity for the audience to engage with Hadi and other artists involved in “Crossing,” such as Amer Al Akel and the Naqsh Collective. This exchange highlighted the power of art in fostering dialogue and cultural understanding.
Hadi: A Voice from Jordan
Hadi Nahleh’s work challenges societal prejudices against bodily expression in Jordan, using dance as a tool for storytelling and social change. Through “Crossing,” Abunahleh invites his audience to engage with themes of transcendence and healing, offering a powerful message that resonates across cultures.
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