Compagnie Herve Koubi opens Marietta College鈥檚 2025-26 Esbenshade Series
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MARIETTA -- Marietta College is launching the 2025-26 Esbenshade Series with a performance by the French-based, Algerian-inspired dance troupe Compagnie Herve Koubi, renowned for its gravity-defying choreography.
At 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Peoples Bank Theatre, the company will showcase "Sol Invictus," described in a release from the college as "a high-energy and luminous exploration of unity, love and renewal through a blend of contemporary and urban dance with capoeira and martial arts."
"If you've never experienced live dance -- or always thought it wasn't for you -- Herve Koubi is your gateway," said Todd Burge, Esbenshade Series director. "This is one of the most extraordinary dance companies in the world."
Founded in 2000 by French dancer and choreographer Herve Koubi, the company draws inspiration from his Algerian roots. Koubi returned to his ancestral country and collaborated with street dancers from across the Mediterranean, creating choreography that combines meditative and athletic movement. "Sol Invictus" derives its name from the "invincible sun" deity, embodying a message of love and peace, where communion becomes humanity's saving grace despite fracture.
"Sol Invictus" features a musical score by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson, with excerpts by Steve Reich and digital composer Maxime Bodson.
The event is free and open to the public thanks to the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and ticket reservations are available with a limit of four per person.
For additional information about the 2025-26 Esbenshade Series, visit marietta.edu/esbenshade-series.
These events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists and programs of a diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pa. All events are free and open to the public.