Héla Fattoumi and Sondos Belhassen Premiere 'TWAMA Paradise' at Montpellier Danse

At the 46th Festival Montpellier Danse, choreographer Héla Fattoumi and compatriot Sondos Belhassen presented 'TWAMA Paradise' (meaning 'Twin Sisters Paradise'), a duo blending dance, song, and autobiographical narrative. The piece, performed at studio Bagoüet from June 26 to 28, 2026, draws on their shared memories across the Mediterranean. The set features seven columns evoking a mosque, hammam, or the Alfaouine Palace in Tunis, where Fattoumi created her 1998 solo 'Wasla'. The performance includes a playful, Arabized version of 'The Young Girls of Rochefort', referencing the twin sisters theme. Lighting by Manon Bongeot uses calligraphy and LEDs to animate the columns. The work references Fattoumi's earlier solo 'Manta' (2009), performed in niqab, which addressed sexuality and taboos in the Arab-Muslim world. The piece incorporates Tunisian folk objects, such as bridal vests turned into ex-votos with lights reminiscent of Christian Boltanski and Dominique Bagouet's 'Saut de l'ange'. The choreography explores sorority, memory, and transgression within tradition.