Ahmad's visual dance theater piece, "Al Maqamat Al Sabi’ المقامات†السبع†The 7 Pillars," part of · Festival · In the Queer and Now · Cartographies of Affect curated by Erkan Affan and Maissa Lihedheb, intricately weaves together dance, multimedia, interactive elements, and spoken word, drawing inspiration from the mystical belief in the 7 Maqamat. This immersive performance takes the audience on a transformative journey through the nuanced stages of soul development in the relentless pursuit of ultimate enlightenment.

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Within this mesmerizing exploration, the maqamat adopt a surreal dimension, becoming a canvas for the amalgamation of personal experiences that unravel the suppressed childhood memories of cyclomorphosis. These memories, entwined with the ebb and flow of past and present traumas within the diaspora, serve as connective threads weaving together the fragments of the in-between—a poignant odyssey encompassing self-exile, fractured identities, self-orientalism, the decolonization of queerness, and language.

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This multidimensional narrative unfolds as a life's journey, prompting deep introspection and questioning of one's existence. Participants engage with the intricate tapestry of self-discovery through dance, multimedia visuals, interactive elements, and the power of spoken word. It is a poignant exploration of the human psyche, examining the profound impact of the past on the present and the quest for personal and collective identity.

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In Ahmad's artistic vision, the ascent to a higher maqaam is contingent upon the mastery of the maqaam below, emphasizing the importance of not allowing oneself to be deprived of the invaluable lessons embedded within each stage. This evocative performance serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience and invites the audience to immerse themselves in a thoughtful contemplation of their own journey towards enlightenment, enriched by the fusion of dance, multimedia, interactivity, and spoken word.

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"To Whom It May Concern” (TWIMC) is a performance series inviting LGBT+ identifying artists of color to present pieces at Oyoun's space, to be recorded and premiered offline for you. TWIMC is a performance series inviting three queer/trans* identifying artists of colour in Berlin to speak truth to power on a topic of their choice. We will have musical, poetry and dance performance. We are excited to share a special night full of talented artists and stories.

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Directed and performed by : Ahmad Baba 

Performer : Michaela Daoud 

@Oyoun, Berlin