From September 25 to 28, la Gaîté Lyrique is setting its clock to Tangier time. On the menu: concerts, films, couscous, souks...
Idolized in the 50s and still an enduring symbol of the Beat Generation, Tangier today is a city of artistic exchange and expression. The one called City of the Strait has been an object of fascination for William Burroughs, Roland Barthes, Marguerite Yourcenar, Keith Richards, Jim Jarmush and Jean Genet, among others, all of whom lived and worked there at some point in their life. With the West within sight across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier holds a very special place in Morocco, and the city's indescribable atmosphere is a source of inspiration for artists around the world.
In Tangier, the maze-like streets of the Medina teem with makeshift shops, the Grand Socco square never empties out, musicians from the Arabo-Andalousian scene perform at the doors of the Kasbah, and public areas across the city overflow with people at any given time of day or night...It is from these intersecting perspectives between Tangier and the rest of the world, between its mythycal past and its contemporary reality, that la Gaîté Lyrique has chosen to look at its Guest City.
Presented in conjunction with the Moroccon Fall in Paris, organized by the City of Paris in partnership with l’Institut français
Music
Music, of course, for it's impossible to think about Tangier without thinking of the gnawa, chaâbi, jajouka and Arabo-Andalousian musical traditions found there, as well as rap and all the great names in rock that have been inspired by this city, such as the Stones, The Clash, and many others. 1 concert-film et 1 Tanger la Nuit (Tangier By Night) evening are sure to shake things up at la Gaîté!
Cinema
Cinema because the colors of Tangier imprint themselves on film like few other cities. Hundreds of filmmakers from Morocco and the rest of the world have chosen Tangier as either their subject or their setting, as seen for example in the latest film by Jim Jarmush. The festival will feature a "Cinema RIF" screening series presented in partnership with Tangier's Cinémathèque Riff.
Literature & conversations with invited guests
Literature, finally, for Tangier has made a lot of ink flow while preserving a strong oral tradition. The likes of Tahar Ben Jelloun, Mohammed Choukri and Mohammed M’Rabet have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jean Genet, Paul Bowles, Allen Ginsberg, Joseph Kessel, Tennessee Williams... In collaboration with the mythical Librairie des Colonnes, readings and conversations with invited guests will be part of the festival program.
Food & souk
The special and unique atmosphere of the Medina will fill la Gaîté Lyrique by way of a POP UP SOUK of young artists. Couscous on Friday night and brunch on Sunday will add flavor to your discovery of Tangier. To be enjoyed unreservedly!
