Hervé Koubi Performs Live at the MACC

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center continues its presentations of some of the world’s most distinguished dance companies with the Maui debut of Compagnie Hervé KOUBI.

This will be the final dance company performance of the season at the MACC.

Compagnie Herve Koubi. Photo Courtesy: Nathalie Sternalski

Hervé Koubi has been recognized as one of Europe’s most distinctive choreographers and will bring his highly physical performance, “What the Day Owes to the Night,” to Castle Theater tomorrow, March 30, at 7:30 p.m.

The piece features 12 French-Algerian and West African male dancers who combine capoeira, martial arts, urban, and contemporary dance. The group performs the piece to an eclectic musical score that includes works from Johann Sebastian Bach, a piece by Nubian composer Hazma El Din performed by the Kronos Quartet, and traditional Sufi music originating from south Asia.

The piece takes its title from a 2008 novel by Yasmina Khadra about a conflicted young Algerian during his country’s war for independence. The performance has been called “A stunning fusion of acrobatics, gymnastics, b-boying, modern dance, and ballet,” by The Washington Post.

Koubi formed his company in 2009 and selected his all-male troupe from auditions he conducted in Algeria. According to Koubi, “I met these dancers at an organized audition in October of 2009 in Algeria. Ever sine, my enthusiasm never ceases to grow because of their pleasure in dance, always remaining open for the dance roles of my new creation. I try to stay away from creating the spectacular just for the spectacle; but prefer to create something where the musicality of each dancer, of each body is in the service of the purpose of the performance.”

Tickets are $35, $45 plus applicable fees. MACC members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available at the MACC box office or by phone at 242-SHOW and online.