Guy Cools and Lia Haraki meet in conversation

Author Guy Cools and dancer Lia Haraki come together in collaboration this coming week for an event at Theatro Polis OPAP in Nicosia, during which they will engage in a conversation about their mutual interest in embodied lamentation as a process of transformation, the importance of mourning rituals in future times of ecological catastrophes and how the loss of their fathers led them to create moving performances of a humorous nature.

In his new book on laments, Guy Cools explores cultural habits, traditions, rituals, and artists’ performances in a poetic, meandering, personal way. His narrative looks into many forms of laments: literary, anthropological, philosophical and contemporary art practices. The latter part delves into artistic strategies to address or embody mourning: dialogical strategies that deal with personal losses; collective mourning rituals and how they invite communities to witness these losses; contemporary examples of laments that are not only used to dialogue with the dead but also to communicate with loved ones who are absent.

Belgian dramaturge Cools and choreographer/performer Haraki have been working together since 2005.

The event takes place as a parallel activity of the piece A Future To Die For which will premiere in October in the framework of the programme Τerpsichore 2021 of the ministry of education.

A Conversation and a Book Launch

Collaboration between Guy Cools and Lia Haraki. September 21. Theatro Polis OPAP, Nicosia. 7.30pm. Free. www.liaharaki.com