‘Us’ (2026) by Maria Hassabi

In Maria Hassabi’s Us, a six-metre bench is placed along the front edge of the stage, compressing the space into a narrow, linear runway. Five dancers trace this boundary through a sequence of calculated tableaus, their bodies caught between rest and anticipation. The bench acts as a structural pivot, serving simultaneously as physical support and a choreographic frame. Facing the audience directly, the cast establishes a shared field of attention. Both individually and as an ensemble, as well as among themselves and with the viewers, the dancers navigate presence in real time. The performance unfolds within this shared alignment, fostering a quiet exchange of attention and perception.

The Sharjah iteration is presented by Sharjah Art Foundation, co-presented with Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. The work is co-produced by Kunstenfestivaldesarts, BOZAR, Sharjah Art Foundation, PS21: Center for Contemporary Performance, Athens & Epidaurus Festival, Tanzquartier Wien, Festival d'Automne à Paris, Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, Walker Art Center, and Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, with the support of NEON Organization for Culture and Development.