Residency SCENE44 I Marina Gomes - NIDAL

Nidāl [me against myself]
Premiere on December 11, 2025, as part of the Vis-à-Vis Festival at La FabricA, Avignon

Nidal – A piece for 7 fighters.
The Arabic word Nidal carries a multifaceted meaning of the notion of combat: outwardly as “struggle, fight, war”; and inwardly as “spiritual battle, against oneself, one’s harmful and self-destructive impulses.” It evokes the idea of spiritual elevation, detachment from materiality, and a path toward wisdom.
This new piece, created with and for Elias Ardoin (dancer, choreographer, and stuntman) and six inmates from the Luynes penitentiary center, explores the dialogue between inner and outer worlds, between collapse and elevation, from brawling to meditation. It echoes a necessary journey of introspection and transformation to make peace with oneself and with others.

Artistic Direction: Marina Gomes
Choreography: Marina Gomes and Elias Ardoin
Theatrical Assistant: Jordan Rezgui (Comédie Française)
Music: Arsène Magnard
Lighting: Claude Casas
Set Design: in progress
Performers: Elias Ardoin
Photo: Lise Leïla
For the creation: 7 inmates from the Luynes Prison (group in progress)
For touring: 7 professional dancers
Administration and Production: Elisa Le Corre
Distribution: Victoire Costes