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Shabaab - Samar Haddad King
Step away from standard portrayals of masculinity and discover this deeply moving exploration of male friendship. Through a creative blend of dance and puppetry, the performers unlock emotions that are rarely voiced in public. It is a raw, visually stunning piece that manages to be both intimate and universal.
Théâtre de la Bastille (Paris 11th)
About
The Théâtre de la Bastille presents Shabaab, a performance by Samar Haddad King running from February 1 to February 3, 2027. This production examines male friendship, moving away from common tropes of physical strength to focus on the tenderness and intimacy between young men. On stage, two performers are accompanied by puppets that express emotions and childhood memories that often remain unspoken. Suitable for audiences aged 13 and older, this show offers a sensitive exploration of masculine bonds. Performances take place each evening from Monday to Wednesday, running from 20:00 to 21:00.
We discovered Samar Haddad King with Losing it, created with Samaa Wakim, and we find her again with Shabaab (youth, in Arabic), which praises male friendship. Far from reductive representations centered on strength or confrontation, she lets the beauty and tenderness that can arise between two young men unfold. To depict them and give them depth, where words are often lacking and modesty prevails, her two performers are doubled by a puppet that expresses the emotions denied to real bodies. Through this figure, childhood dreams resurface, memories return, times blend, allowing a possible intimacy to emerge—a form of bond and affection that continues its underground existence even when individuals are seemingly deprived of it.
Our take on this event
Samar Haddad King explores the dynamics of male friendship in her latest work, Shabaab. Meaning youth in Arabic, the piece aims to distance itself from conventional portrayals of masculinity that rely on conflict or dominance. Instead, the choreography highlights the beauty and vulnerability inherent in the relationships between young men, creating a space where affection can manifest even when traditional social norms dictate restraint.
To give depth to these characters, the two performers are joined by puppets on stage. These figures serve as a vessel for emotions that the human body may struggle to articulate, allowing memories and dreams from childhood to surface. Through this interplay, the performance suggests a form of connection that persists in the background, offering an intimate look at the bonds that endure beneath the surface of daily life.
The event is held at the Théâtre de la Bastille in Paris' 11th arrondissement. Shows are scheduled daily from Monday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 3, 2027, between 20:00 and 21:00. This is a ticketed event intended for viewers aged 13 and up. Please ensure you book your tickets in advance to experience this unique artistic meditation on brotherhood.