Marcos Morau has been appointed associate curator of Oriente Occidente. The decision comes from a long-standing and deep relationship between the Spanish choreographer, now one of the most influential figures on the international scene, and Oriente Occidente. It also marks the start of a new phase.
In 2015, Morau and his company La Veronal presented the work Voronia in Rovereto, their first appearance in Italy. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno and the ideas of Saint Augustine, it explored the darkness of the human soul. The performance made a strong impression and introduced Italian audiences to Morau’s striking and visionary style, which would become highly influential in contemporary dance.
Since then, the connection between Morau and Oriente Occidente has grown steadily, becoming a recognizable part of the Festival’s identity. The Rovereto audience welcomed and understood La Veronal’s artistic language earlier than other, more established Italian venues.
One of the most important milestones came in 2020, the year of the pandemic and the Festival’s 40th anniversary. During that unusual edition, Sonoma, La Veronal’s new creation, opened the Festival. The piece, intense and ritualistic, became a symbol of freedom. It later toured across Europe with more than 100 performances, carrying the name of Oriente Occidente alongside major international co-producers.
Morau’s new role is therefore a natural continuation of an already established collaboration. In line with the Festival’s mission – the meeting of cultures – and with its tradition of shared artistic leadership, Oriente Occidente once again confirms its commitment to dialogue, exchange, and shared perspectives.
After 45 years of activity, Oriente Occidente remains a key reference point for contemporary dance in Italy and Europe, ready to move forward with new energy and an artistic direction open to collaboration and innovation.
Spanish choreographer and director, founder and artistic director of La Veronal. With his company, he has presented work in over thirty countries. Trained between Barcelona and New York, his style combines dance, physical theater, photography, and cinema, creating highly visual, imaginative settings. He has created works for major companies including Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Royal Danish Ballet. He was the youngest recipient of Spain’s National Dance Award. In 2023, he was named Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture and was recognized as Best Choreographer of the Year by Tanz magazine in both 2023 and 2024.