Maldonne. French excellence: choreographer Leïla Ka, who has previously programmed works in earlier editions of the festival (Pode Ser at Interplay/24 and a sold-out evening dedicated to her creations for Interplay/25). For the 26th edition, she returns with Maldonne, a choral work, a lively and powerful piece for five dancers, with an eclectic soundtrack ranging from Lara Fabian to Shostakovich, combining classical, electronic and popular music. The choreography translates the idea of an unequal distribution of roles into movement: ‘In French, there is a word to describe when, in a card game, someone is dealt more cards than the others and so, in a sense, there is an inequality: this word is “maldonne”. In that case, you have to take the deck back and redistribute the cards,” the choreographer confides to the Gazzetta di Parma. Rebellion, euphoria, joy and collective strength flow in a physical movement that combines commitment, sensuality and theatrical energy. Halfway between contemporary dance and theatre, Leïla Ka creates a liberating performance that reveals and embodies – in every sense – the fragility, rebelliousness and multiple identities of the performers, offering a portrait of the feminine. Through her artistic language, she combines physical energy, choreographic precision and emotional intensity in a work that transforms the stage into a space of celebration, introspection and liberation.
MALDONNE
Compagnia Leïla Ka (FR)
28 May 2026 21:00 Theme - Contemporary rituals
Casa del Teatro Corso Galileo Ferraris, 266 TorinoLeïla Ka has quickly established herself on the European scene with a theatrical, explosive style of dance characterised by relentless precision. Coming from a background in urban dance, Leïla Ka did not follow a traditional academic path, choosing instead to forge her own path outside conventional norms. After dancing in Maguy Marin’s celebrated work May B, she embarked on her career as a choreographer, blending urban and contemporary influences into a unique style. Leïla Ka is an associate artist at CENTQUATRE-PARIS, La Garance – Scène nationale de Cavaillon and DSN, scène nationale de Dieppe. Since 2024, her company has been supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation. Following her first three award-winning works – Pode Ser, You’re the One We Love, Bouffées – she created Maldonne, nominated for the 2025 International Dance Prize at Sadler’s Wells in London. An artist in association with Centquatre – Paris, La Garance – Scène nationale de Cavaillon and in residence at Espace 1789, she has created choreographies for Beyoncé, the César Awards, Zaho de Sagazan and the National Ballet of Chile. International awards, sold-out tours in over 100 theatres and accolades such as ‘révélation chorégraphique’ from the Syndicats de la critique in 2022 confirm her central role in European contemporary dance. Yves Kafka (Inferno Magazine) describes her as “overflowing, a captivating talent, a communicative generosity and a lively sincerity”.
Choreography by Leïla Ka
Performers Océane Crouzier, Lise Messina, Adèle Bonduelle, Mathilde Roussin, Flore Ruiz-Moiret
Assistant choreographer Jane Fournier Dumet
Lighting designer Laurent Fallot
Costumes Leïla Ka
Lighting
Manager Célia Roumi
Sound designer Ewen Bothua
Production CENTQUATRE-PARIS and Cie Leïla Ka
Partners and supporters La Garance – Scène nationale de Cavaillon, Théâtre Malakoff – Scène nationale, Théâtre d’Angoulême – National Stage, Théâtre de Suresnes Jean Vilar – Suresnes Cités Danse 2024 festival, Centre Chorégraphique National d’Orléans – Directed by Maud Le Pladec, Centre Chorégraphique National – Ballet de Lorraine directed by Petter Jacobsson as part of the Accueil-studio programme, Les Quinconces and L’Espal – National Theatre of Le Mans, Espaces Pluriels – Nationally Recognised Theatre of Art and Creation – Danse de Pau, La Manufacture – CDCN Nouvelle-Aquitaine Bordeaux/La Rochelle, La Passerelle – National Theatre of Saint-Brieuc, Fondation Royaumont, Espace 1789 – Nationally Recognised Arts and Creation Centre for Dance in Saint-Ouen – Le Quatrain – Cultural Facility of Clisson Sèvre et Maine Agglo, City of Gouesnou – Centre Henri Queffelec
Sponsored by Caisse des Dépôts
Choreographer winner of the 2022 Révélation chorégraphique Award from the Syndicats de la critique. Production nominated for the 2025 International Dance Prize at Sadler’s Wells in London.
REGIONAL PREMIERE
durataduration 60’