BWW Reviews: FIAF Presents THE ULYSSES SYNDROME Celebrating World Nomads Tunisia

French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) presents The Ulysses Syndrome celebrating World Nomads

Tunisia

On Thursday May 14, 2013, as part of the fifth edition of its biennial World Nomads Festival, the

French Institute Alliance Française presented The Ulysses Syndrome, a dance choreographed by Jonah

Bokaer. Jonah Bokaer is American and part Tunisian. He explores his familial roots by performing this

meditative work with his Tunisian born father, Tsvi Bokaer.

The work started with two men sitting side by side on the stage, with the sounds of ocean waves in the

background. The men are relaxed, as if waiting for the sun to rise. They sat for long stretches, showing

a kinship and fusing a bond on stage before they rose to go in separate directions. Even in their

parting, the two men never totally separated. The elder gentleman always has his eyes on the younger

man, as if he were watching him explore his life's journey.

The Ulysses Syndrome refers to a condition of dislocation, alienation, and isolation in the immigrant

experience. "Ulysses, to me, is a search, a longing to be home," says Jonah. Jonah and Tsvi Bokaer

have shown us that there is always a way back home--the journey starts in your heart, the place where

Jonah created this choreography.

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