Performance “Eat Banana & Drink Pills” by Sahar Damoni

ABOUT THE WORK
“Mental illness does not originate within the individual, but is a reflection of society and a flawed civilization.” (Sigmund Freud)
*Eat Banana and Drink Pills* is a contemporary dance performance about abortions among single Arab-Palestinian women. The work explores the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of this experience. The piece analyzes the consequences of this decision and embodies the associated stigma, trauma, and social violence.

ABOUT THE WORK
“Psychological illness does not stem from human beings but is a reflection of society and a flawed civilization.” (Sigmund Freud)
Eat Banana and Drink Pills is a contemporary dance performance about abortion among single Arab Palestinian women. The work focuses on the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of this experience and analyzes the ramifications of this choice and the stigma, trauma, and social violence it carries.
 

“Psychological illness does not stem from human beings themselves, but is a reflection of society and a flawed civilization.” (Sigmund Freud)

“Eat Banana and Drink Pills” is a contemporary dance performance about abortion among single Arab Palestinian women. The work focuses on the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of this experience and analyzes the ramifications of this choice and the stigma, trauma, and social violence associated with it.

The artist Sahar Damoniis an international Arab-Palestinian Christian choreographer, performer, and dance researcher based in Leipzig, Germany. Her interdisciplinary work explores the intersections of contemporary dance, physical theater, and psychology, with a particular focus on trauma and the lived experiences of women within Arab and Palestinian sociopolitical realities. She works worldwide as a freelance solo artist, dramaturg, and choreographer for cultural institutions and theaters. Her works have been presented at venues including the Holland Dance Festival, Fabrik Potsdam, the Frauenkirche in Dresden, and Movement Research at the Judson (NYC), as well as at numerous festivals in the Netherlands, Italy, Europe, and the Middle East. She was also commissioned to create a new work for the Staatstheater Kassel. 
Further information:www.sahardamoni.com

The artist Sahar Damoniis an international Arab Palestinian Christian choreographer, performer, and dance researcher based in Leipzig, Germany. Her interdisciplinary work explores the intersections of contemporary dance, physical theater, and psychology, focusing on trauma and women’s lived experiences within Arab and Palestinian sociopolitical realities. Working globally as a freelance solo artist, dramaturge, and choreographer for companies and theaters, her work has been presented at the Holland Dance Festival, Fabrik Potsdam, the Frauenkirche in Dresden, and Movement Research at the Judson (NYC), as well as at numerous festivals across the Netherlands, Italy, Europe, and the Middle East. She was also commissioned to create a new work for the Staatstheater Kassel.

More Information:www.sahardamoni.com

Sahar Damouni is a choreographer, dancer, and dance researcher—a Palestinian Arab Christian—who works internationally and is based in Leipzig, Germany. Her interdisciplinary work explores the intersections of contemporary dance, physical theater, and psychology, with a focus on psychological trauma and the life experiences of women within the Arab and Palestinian social and political context. Sahar works globally as an independent artist, dramaturg, and choreographer for companies and theaters. Her works have been presented at the Holland Dance Festival, Fabriek Boedstdam, and the Frauenkirche in Dresden, and a project at Judson Church (New York), in addition to numerous festivals in the Netherlands, Italy, Europe, and the Middle East. She was also commissioned to create a new work for the State Theater of Kassel. www.sahardamoni.com
 

Interpretation services for Arabic and English available

CREDITS

Choreography and performance: Sahar Damoni
Artistic direction and dramaturgy: Nitzan Cohen
Artistic advisor: Sarah Holcman
Original music and editing: Akram Haddad
Lighting design: Teddy Larue, Marko Kronberg
Project Manager: Fanny Lichtenberger

This event is a collaboration with Sahar Damoni, the Evangelical Lutheran Bethanien Parish in Leipzig-Schleußig, the Philippuskirche in Leipzig, the Migration Office of Diakonie Leipzig, and the 2026 Intercultural Weeks in Leipzig.

We would like to express our sincere thanks for the financial support provided by the “Living Diversity” project of the Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Saxony.