French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) presents The Ulysses Syndrome celebrating World Nomads
Tunisia
On Thursday May 14, 2013, as part of the fifth edition of its biennial World Nomads Festival, the
French Institute Alliance Française presented The Ulysses Syndrome, a dance choreographed by Jonah
Bokaer. Jonah Bokaer is American and part Tunisian. He explores his familial roots by performing this
meditative work with his Tunisian born father, Tsvi Bokaer.
The work started with two men sitting side by side on the stage, with the sounds of ocean waves in the
background. The men are relaxed, as if waiting for the sun to rise. They sat for long stretches, showing
a kinship and fusing a bond on stage before they rose to go in separate directions. Even in their
parting, the two men never totally separated. The elder gentleman always has his eyes on the younger
man, as if he were watching him explore his life's journey.
The Ulysses Syndrome refers to a condition of dislocation, alienation, and isolation in the immigrant
experience. "Ulysses, to me, is a search, a longing to be home," says Jonah. Jonah and Tsvi Bokaer
have shown us that there is always a way back home--the journey starts in your heart, the place where
Jonah created this choreography.
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