An international ensemble of dancers blends contemporary and urban movement with capoeira and martial arts in an upcoming performance by France-based Compagnie Hervé Koubi.
Cal Poly Arts presents “Sol Invictus” on January 27 in Harold Miossi Hall at the Performing Arts Center SLO.
Performed by a cast of 17 dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds, the piece draws inspiration from Algerian author Yasmina Khadra’s novel What the Day Owes to the Night and is set to a dynamic score by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson, featuring excerpts by Steve Reich and digital composer Maxime Bodson.
In an interview on French broadcast network TV5Monde, choreographer Hervé Koubi describes the work as less narrative and more about dance itself.
“For once, I didn’t want to use a specific theme or pretext,” Koubi says. “‘Sol Invictus’ is first and foremost a declaration of love. A love letter to dance.”
Named after the Roman deity and meaning “the invincible sun,” the work centers on the power of dance to bring people together. Through shared movement, it highlights connection and unity, suggesting that even in uncertain or divided times, dance can create a sense of community.
Koubi founded his company in 2000 after training at prestigious institutions and collaborating with major figures in the dance world. His creative direction was shaped by learning of his family’s Algerian roots, which led him to travel across the Mediterranean and engage with urban dance communities.
Following the performance, Cal Poly Arts director Molly Clark will hold a brief talk-back with members of the company, which is open to all ticketholders.