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Culture & Leisure

The Passing of a Moroccan Artistic Icon: Renowned Choreographer and Filmmaker Lahcen Zinoun Dies at 79

Wednesday 17 January 2024 - 09:40

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Morocco mourns the loss of an artistic icon this week, as celebrated choreographer and filmmaker Lahcen Zinoun passed away at the age of 79. Zinoun, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to both dance and cinema in the country, breathed his last on Tuesday in Casablanca after a valiant battle with illness, succumbing to a cerebral hemorrhage.

Born in 1944 to a modest railway worker father and homemaker mother, Zinoun embarked on his artistic journey as a teenager when he enrolled in the Conservatory of Casablanca in 1958. Despite excelling in modern dance and earning top honors in 1964, family disapproval of his unconventional path led to estrangement and early hardships.

Undeterred, Zinoun set off for Belgium, inspired by the renowned choreographer Maurice Béjart. Immersing himself on the international stage, he eventually became a star dancer with the Opéra Royal de Wallonie ballet company. However, Morocco remained etched on his heart. Zinoun returned in 1973, aiming to foster the growth of modern dance locally and reconcile with his father a poignant moment he movingly depicted in his autobiographical work “Forbidden Dream,” showcasing their rekindled bond through dance.

In the subsequent decades, Zinoun emerged as an unwavering champion for national heritage and classical arts, concurrently nurturing Moroccan contemporary dance. Simultaneously, he found remarkable success as a filmmaker; his productions "Oud Al Ward" and "Tattooed" garnered widespread critical praise.

The news of Zinoun's passing has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the nation, marking the closure of a significant chapter in Moroccan cinema. In response to this somber event, a myriad of Moroccan artists and influencers have come together this week to pay heartfelt tributes, recognizing and celebrating Zinoun's legacy as a creative virtuoso.

His profound influence has left an indelible mark on national culture across various artistic disciplines. While an era has now drawn to a close, the enduring artistic foundation meticulously constructed by Zinoun is poised to serve as a timeless source of inspiration for generations yet to come.