He lives between Paris and Montreal, is a director and has created many events worldwide. Five years ago, he decided to start the first festival that revisits folk arts in public squares by inviting troupes and artists from circus, acrobatics, and dance.
Made in Marrakech : How did the idea to create such a festival in Morocco come about, given the rarity of such events in the country ?
Khalid Tamer : Because previously, when I came to Marrakech I often visited Jemaa El Fna square, I find that place magical and inspiring, that's where I got the idea to make a festival centered around practices at Jemaa El Fna, featuring acrobats, circus performers, clowns, and storytellers. And since the Al Haouz region is gorgeous, I decided to create an event in Marrakech and around the region.
Made in Marrakech : Do you work on the festival all year round ?
Khalid Tamer : To tell you the truth, we used to work just during a particular period, but today it's all year long as we have many artists participating, from Africa, Europe, or America, so it takes more time, I can say that I started last September and haven't finished yet. (laughs)
Made in Marrakech : How many people work on the festival during the year ?
Khalid Tamer : Throughout the year, we're not many, just a small team of five people.
Made in Marrakech : And during the festival period ?
Khalid Tamer : During the festival period, it's a big buzz, there are about 15 people in Marrakech, 10 per village, totaling around 50 or 60 people.
Made in Marrakech : How do you select the artists and troupes that participate in the festival ?
Khalid Tamer : I do the most wonderful thing in the world, I travel. I travel a lot, often to Africa, Canada, the United States... I try to find shows that blend well with the Moroccan atmosphere and mix with the best of Morocco.
Made in Marrakech : Now in its fifth edition, how has the festival evolved over this period ?
Khalid Tamer : If I start from the first edition, there were only 8 companies, and now we're at 25 companies, the festival has grown, we've gone from 100 people to 250 in terms of invited artists, it has become a major event. Today, I think Awaln'Art is among the big Mediterranean festivals of public space because in Morocco, there are no street and circus festivals. It's one of the first along with that of Agadir. I helped create it with the French Institute. I think now we are among the great Moroccan festivals, we're creating this Marrakech legend, we have media, television, and quite a few things following us.
Made in Marrakech : This year, you have teamed up with Marrakech du Rire, how do you work together ? Who initiated it ?
Khalid Tamer : It was a meeting between Jamel and me, I think there was a desire to work together, I wanted to be supported by another festival like Marrakech du Rire, but it's just their first edition, we are working together so the setup isn't quite there yet, but I believe we will get there. In the future, we will enhance our partnership. This year Jamel ordered two parades, the opening and the closing, but there will also be surprises at Jemaa El Fna square. Jamel wanted the city to be a festive city for five days, I also wanted to do that in the city but I also care about involving the villages and I'm glad there will be even more shows in the villages.
Made in Marrakech : What benefit do you find in working with each other ?
Khalid Tamer : I think from my side, I'll gain a lot of visibility, and then working together is interesting since we are in a collective. For him, I believe it's the same. He wanted to do things for the city of Marrakech, so we bring him the experience we have of the city and public space. Each of us brings our difference.
Made in Marrakech : A preview of this year's program ?
Khalid Tamer : Of course, there's Marrakech du Rire, but also the show Chouf Ou Chouf by the Tangier Acrobatic Circus which is touring the world. It's the first time they are performing in Marrakech. You'll discover Circus Shemsy, a troupe of young Moroccans. There are other great shows like Tchébé-Tchébé from Togo, the grandes personnes from Boromo and Paris, Générik Vapeur, Ex Nihilo contemporary dance in public spaces, it's really stunning. There is a great variety of shows to see, just check the program !
Interview Fati Medaoui Photo DR Published on 4/06/2011