Still, in front of an audience of strangers, five women wipe the tears from their wet cheeks. What pain do they carry? Does it even belong to them?
With Bouffées, Leïla Ka envisions a way to heal the incurable, embracing grief and transforming it into a force of power and rebirth. She brings sisterhood to the stage in its most recognizable form, paying a just and profound tribute to past battles fought and those yet to come.
Flowing, floral dresses in vibrant colors, hair pulled back into tight ponytails—this work is both artistically and symbolically striking. Its depth stems from the choreographer’s personal struggle against imposed roles and her ability to place major themes at the heart of those who, in one way or another, yearn for freedom.
Not just sorrow, but also resistance: the five performers fall and rise again, their breath a rhythmic force binding them together in suffering. The entire piece hinges on the contrast between imposed constraints and the performers’ voluntary movement—a relentless push toward liberation.
BOUFFÉES
LEÏLA KA (FR)
06 June 2025 21:30 Tema - Corpo Politico
Teatro Astra Via Rosolino Pilo, 6 TorinoLEÏLA KA. Leïla Ka has made a name for herself in just a few years with her explosive energy, captivating audiences with a powerfully theatrical dance and relentless precision that hits straight to the gut. Her success is reflected in her phenomenal, sold-out tours: she is currently the most sought-after young choreographer, performing over 100 shows a year. After gaining international recognition with her first three award-winning pieces—Pode ser, You’re the one we love, and Bouffées—Leïla Ka created Maldonne, a group work nominated for the International Dance Prize 2025 at Sadler’s Wells in London. Coming from the world of urban dance, Leïla Ka did not follow a traditional academic path. Instead, she forged her own way, breaking free from conventional frameworks. After performing in Maguy Marin’s iconic piece May B, she launched her choreographic career, 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.
Choreographer Leïla Ka
Performer Océane Crouzier, Jade Logmo, Jane Fournier Dumet, Aïda Ben Hassine or Salomé Moro or Leïla Ka or Inès Lopez or Mathilde Roussin
Light design Leïla Ka
Production Compagnie Leïla Ka
Partner and supporter Espace 1789 – Scène conventionnée; CENTQUATRE-PARIS – Laboratoire Des Cultures Urbaines Et Espaces Publics
With the support of Fondazione Nuovi Mecenati – Fondazione franco-italiana di sostegno alla creazione contemporanea
Winner of the First Prize at the DANSE ÉLARGIE 2022 CONTEST OF THÉÂTRE DE LA VILLE – PARIS
NATIONAL PREMIERE
durata 15'
