Un|Controlled Gestures - 4th Edition
Facts
Who: Choreographers from Arabic speaking countries
Section: Performing Arts
Places: Cairo (Egypt), Berlin (Germany) and Online
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Interviews: June 3 and 4, 2025
Results: June 17, 2025
Online Kick-Off: September 13 and 14, 2025
Residency in Cairo & Work in Progress-Showing: October 12 – November 3, 2025
Residency in Berlin & Work in Progress-Showing: between April 5 and 25, 2026
Section: Performing Arts
Places: Cairo (Egypt), Berlin (Germany) and Online
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Interviews: June 3 and 4, 2025
Results: June 17, 2025
Online Kick-Off: September 13 and 14, 2025
Residency in Cairo & Work in Progress-Showing: October 12 – November 3, 2025
Residency in Berlin & Work in Progress-Showing: between April 5 and 25, 2026
About
Un|Controlled Gestures - 4th Edition is an initiative of the Goethe-Institutes in North Africa and the Middle East in cooperation with HAU Hebbel am Ufer (Berlin), curated by Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi.
The program aims at supporting choreographic creations within contemporary dance practices which centre on notions of body politics and poetics, intimate and collective memories that go beyond the known and written. For its 4th edition, choreographers from and based in Arabic speaking countries will be selected. The selected artists get the chance to develop their choreographic creations during two residencies in Cairo and Berlin as well as benefitting from mentorship and a production grant of the equivalent of 2.000 Euro (in words: Two Thousand Euros).
The program aims at supporting choreographic creations within contemporary dance practices which centre on notions of body politics and poetics, intimate and collective memories that go beyond the known and written. For its 4th edition, choreographers from and based in Arabic speaking countries will be selected. The selected artists get the chance to develop their choreographic creations during two residencies in Cairo and Berlin as well as benefitting from mentorship and a production grant of the equivalent of 2.000 Euro (in words: Two Thousand Euros).
Curatorial statement
by Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi
The notion of “shaking up bodies' languages” suggests a radical reimagining: challenging inherited forms, embracing transformation, and allowing movement to articulate multiple layers of intimate and collective experiences. Exploring sources of strength and resistance that the body carries to transform them in a performative process.
This edition invites artists to embark on a dual journey: personal artistic exploration and collective experimentation. Through a newly introduced format of collaborative jam sessions, participants will question and redefine concepts such as solidarity, agreement, and shared spaces. Togetherness is not assumed but constructed, dismantled, and reassembled through creative space.
This project serves as both initiation and invitation: a process of learning from one another while embracing the equally vital act of un-learning. Introducing artists to the city and local art field is seen as a fertile ground to explore, disrupt, and reimagine their practice.
Un-Controlled Gestures – 4th Edition is a call to inhabit the trembling.
The thought of trembling surges from all around [...] It protects us from thinking of systems and systems of thought. It does not imply fear or irresolution; but spreads infinitely like an untold bird, its wings sown with the black salt of the earth. It brings us together in absolute diversity, in a whirlwind of encounters. A utopia that never settles and that opens up tomorrow, like a shared sun and fruit.
Édouard Glissant, La Cohée du Lamentin. Poétique V, Gallimard, 2005.
What we offer
The selected participants will have time during the residencies in Cairo and Berlin to develop their creative processes and exchange with other artists from the region. A round-trip (Economy), visa fees, travel insurance, accommodation, and per diem during the two working periods will be covered by the Goethe-Institut.
The participants are advised and accompanied by Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi (Performing Arts Curator and Dramaturge at Ad’Hoc Platform Brussels), guest mentors, and representatives from HAU according to their needs during the residencies in Cairo and in Berlin. Additionally, a two-day online kick-off workshop as well as individual online meetings will be organised. The working languages during these sessions will be either Arabic or English.
The Goethe-Institut will award a grant (equivalent of € 2.000) to each selected artist to support the artistic development process during the residencies and the production of the work-in-progress showing. Participants are allowed to find co-production funds but are obliged to inform the Goethe-Institut about them first.
Participants will have the opportunity to show the performances at Goethe-Institut Cairo and at HAU Hebbel am Ufer. The mentors will take in consideration the selected projects and support for more visibility and presentation of their performances in regional dance festivals.
Timeline and locations
September 13 and 14, 2025: Online kick-off workshop
The choreographers will meet for the first time and explore philosophical and artistic approaches with cultural theorists, artists and dance experts.
October 12 – November 3, 2025: 1st Residency – Cairo
During this three-week residency in Cairo the artists will have time for research and experimentation. Mentors will provide feedback to support the development of the choreographic projects. In addition, the residency is an opportunity to exchange with peers as well as choreographers, performers and artists from Cairo and the region: The Arab Arts Focus (20. - 26. October 2025) of the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF) taking place at the same time as the residency will be a unique opportunity for this. At the end of the residency a public presentation of all work-in-progress performances will take place at Goethe-Institut Cairo on November 2.
November 2025 – April 2026: Individual Work
The artists will develop their projects individually. Online follow up meetings with mentors will be organised.
April 5 – April 25, 2026: 2nd Residency – Berlin
During the second residency in Germany, the choreographic projects are developed further and prepared for the work-in-progress performance at HAU. The first phase of this residency will take place in a residency space outside of Berlin. The second phase of the residency will take place at HAU itself. Mentors will provide feedback to the performances and the technical team of HAU will hold a workshop to introduce the possibilities of the space.
Please note: The mentioned dates and locations can be subject to slight changes, which will be communicated as early as possible.
The choreographers will meet for the first time and explore philosophical and artistic approaches with cultural theorists, artists and dance experts.
October 12 – November 3, 2025: 1st Residency – Cairo
During this three-week residency in Cairo the artists will have time for research and experimentation. Mentors will provide feedback to support the development of the choreographic projects. In addition, the residency is an opportunity to exchange with peers as well as choreographers, performers and artists from Cairo and the region: The Arab Arts Focus (20. - 26. October 2025) of the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF) taking place at the same time as the residency will be a unique opportunity for this. At the end of the residency a public presentation of all work-in-progress performances will take place at Goethe-Institut Cairo on November 2.
November 2025 – April 2026: Individual Work
The artists will develop their projects individually. Online follow up meetings with mentors will be organised.
April 5 – April 25, 2026: 2nd Residency – Berlin
During the second residency in Germany, the choreographic projects are developed further and prepared for the work-in-progress performance at HAU. The first phase of this residency will take place in a residency space outside of Berlin. The second phase of the residency will take place at HAU itself. Mentors will provide feedback to the performances and the technical team of HAU will hold a workshop to introduce the possibilities of the space.
Please note: The mentioned dates and locations can be subject to slight changes, which will be communicated as early as possible.
Obligations for participants
- Commit to the program in its entirety (online meetings as well as the residencies in Cairo and Berlin) and be released from all other professional activities during the entire period of the workshops and the residencies.
- Develop a new performance addressing the topic of this call.
- Inform the curator and the Goethe-Institut about the project’s development (important changes, difficulties, questions, etc.).
Selection criteria
- Choreographers from and currently based in the following Arabic speaking countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates.
- Motivation to participate in the program, exchange with peers and share experiences.
- Relevance of the choreographic project dealing with the proposed topic in this call. Finished projects will not be accepted. Interdisciplinarity is highly encouraged.
- Innovative and compelling theme-related practice and body of work.
- Applicants have already created at least one choreographic work or multidisciplinary project.
Apply now!
Please send the following information in pdf format via mail with the subject “Un|controlled and your name” to uncontrolled.gestures@goethe.de until May 15, 2025:
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Letter of motivation (max 1 page) with the following guidelines:
o Why do you want to take part in the program?
o Please explain your first ideas on the topic and the future performance.
o If a project around the topic is already under way, specify since when and indicate if any steps of the work have already been shown or supported.
- Link(s) to previous and current choreographic projects or link to a video (max. 5 minutes).
- Artistic Portfolio (PDF, max. 4 MB)
- A copy of your passport (identification page)
- Application form (see last page of the call) dated and signed sworn statement, certifying the accuracy of the information provided and that the candidate agrees to the general terms and conditions of the programme. CV, motivation letter and the presentation of previous work can be in Arabic, English or French. If the application is in Arabic or French, please provide a short synopsis (3-5 sentences) in English about your first ideas on the topic and the future performance.
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Letter of motivation (max 1 page) with the following guidelines:
o Why do you want to take part in the program?
o Please explain your first ideas on the topic and the future performance.
o If a project around the topic is already under way, specify since when and indicate if any steps of the work have already been shown or supported.
- Link(s) to previous and current choreographic projects or link to a video (max. 5 minutes).
- Artistic Portfolio (PDF, max. 4 MB)
- A copy of your passport (identification page)
- Application form (see last page of the call) dated and signed sworn statement, certifying the accuracy of the information provided and that the candidate agrees to the general terms and conditions of the programme. CV, motivation letter and the presentation of previous work can be in Arabic, English or French. If the application is in Arabic or French, please provide a short synopsis (3-5 sentences) in English about your first ideas on the topic and the future performance.
Selection process
All applications will be reviewed by a jury which selects the participants. The application procedure consists of two stages: In stage one, all written applications will be reviewed. Only the short-listed candidates reach stage two and are invited to online interviews on June 3 and 4, 2025. The jury has absolute authority and its decisions are final.
All applicants will be informed about the results until June 17, 2025.
Please note: Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
All applicants will be informed about the results until June 17, 2025.
Please note: Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
About the organisers
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global presence of 158 institutes in 98 countries. It facilitates international cultural exchange, promotes access to the German language and supports the unimpeded development of culture and science.
HAU Hebbel am Ufer stands with its four stages, HAU1, HAU2 and HAU3, and since 2020 the
digital stage HAU4, for current artistic positions at the interface of theatre, dance and performance. Additionally, music, visual arts, and discursive formats are essential
components of the programme, which connects the vibrant artistic scene in homebase Berlin with strong international voices.
Born in Algiers, Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi lives in Brussels. Recently, she was curating the Mahmoud Darwish Chair Program within Bozar (Brussels) and coordinator of the Dance Biennale of Africa (Marrakech). Nedjma is curator and dramaturge of the Halaqat and Un|Controlled Gestures projects, initiated by the Goethe-Institut.
HAU Hebbel am Ufer stands with its four stages, HAU1, HAU2 and HAU3, and since 2020 the
digital stage HAU4, for current artistic positions at the interface of theatre, dance and performance. Additionally, music, visual arts, and discursive formats are essential
components of the programme, which connects the vibrant artistic scene in homebase Berlin with strong international voices.
Born in Algiers, Nedjma Hadj Benchelabi lives in Brussels. Recently, she was curating the Mahmoud Darwish Chair Program within Bozar (Brussels) and coordinator of the Dance Biennale of Africa (Marrakech). Nedjma is curator and dramaturge of the Halaqat and Un|Controlled Gestures projects, initiated by the Goethe-Institut.
Contact
In case you have any questions, please contact the Goethe-Institut Cairo via mail: uncontrolled.gestures@goethe.de.
Please note
The Goethe-Institut reserves the right to rescind the grants in the event that the funds to be transferred have not been made available.
The Goethe-Institut has no-tolerance towards all forms of violence, harassment, and discrimination and expects the same from its contractual partners, grantees, and scholarship holders. Partners agree to follow the anti-harassment, anti-violence, and anti-discrimination approach of the Goethe-Institut.
There is no legal entitlement to the award of a scholarship by the Goethe-Institut.
If you apply to UnControlled Gestures IV you agree that we will process your data as described in the Information on data protection and processing of your personal data.
The Goethe-Institut has no-tolerance towards all forms of violence, harassment, and discrimination and expects the same from its contractual partners, grantees, and scholarship holders. Partners agree to follow the anti-harassment, anti-violence, and anti-discrimination approach of the Goethe-Institut.
There is no legal entitlement to the award of a scholarship by the Goethe-Institut.
If you apply to UnControlled Gestures IV you agree that we will process your data as described in the Information on data protection and processing of your personal data.
