The incorporation of elements from Morocco’s Middle Atlas region into the heart of Ancient Messene

The incorporation of elements from Morocco’s Middle Atlas region into the heart of Ancient Messene

22 July 2026

Church of Ancient Messene

The dance piece “Amazigh in Situ” by PLAN-K/Fillipe Lourenco Company, which is based on teamwork, tribal democracy, and collective responsibility, will take place on Wednesday, July 22, at 8:00 p.m. at a monument(the Ecclesiasterion of ancient Messene), which is most closely associated with the period of democratization of the ancient city during the Hellenistic era, as well as its search for identity and collective memory.

The presentation of this dance performance, based on traditional dances of the Berbers(Amazigh) from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco (the ritual dance Ahidous) at the Hellenistic Ecclesiasterion of ancient Messene creates a profound, multifaceted cultural dialogue, highlighting the shared Mediterranean identity of the two countries and bridging ancient heritage with tradition and contemporary artistic creation.

Two different cultures with shared values—values of equality, democracy, and solidarity—come together at the same place to celebrate “togetherness.”

Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Past and the Present are linked through art, which is unified and ever-evolving. The intangible cultural heritage of the East engages in a direct dialogue with the cultural monuments of our region and the ideas they embody.

Through such events, ancient Messene symbolizes the openness of Greek monuments to global cultural influences, promoting inclusion and multiculturalism, and sending a strong message about the need for social cohesion and mutual support in the modern world.

This is a performance presented by the Kalamata International Dance Festival in collaboration with our organization, the Society for Messinian Archaeological Studies and the Municipality of Messini, with the aim of decentralizing culture, strengthening our cultural identity, and fostering dialogue with the local community.

After 16 years, ancient Messene is once again linked to our city’s premier event. We look forward to seeing you all there so we can enjoy this magical evening together.