«Empty City is a testimony to coping with life and the search for belonging. It's a story of different people coming together and weaving a tapestry of community and belonging that transcends differences in history and faith.» Aly Khamees

Our contemporary dance performance is inspired by the heart of Cairo, Egypt - the enigmatic "City of the Dead". This vast Islamic necropolis, which dates back to the 7th century, has developed into a unique blend of history, culture and everyday life. Tombs and mausoleums that once served as final resting places have been transformed into homes that represent a bizarre coexistence between the living and the dead. Although the residents live in extreme poverty, they show deep respect for the dead they care for, regardless of their origin, skin colour or religious background. They guard the graves and fulfil a sacred duty for which they receive meagre rewards from the descendants of the dead. We are inspired by the incredible history of this unconventional community, where marginalised and undocumented people have transformed ancient structures into homes. With over 2 million residents, the City of the Dead is a self-governing empire where people have formed their own societies with small businesses, self-organised schools and social support systems. This production aims to capture the essence of the City of the Dead communities. It explores themes of resilience, unity, the transformative power of cohesion and the collective sense of purpose. Through the medium of contemporary dance, we explore these mystical phenomena that reflect so much goodness and beauty that arise at the intersection of life and death, poverty and purpose; and reflect on the universal human spirit that often overcomes even the most difficult of circumstances.