Nouvelles Rencontres d'Averroès

When the world is gripped by shock and life comes to a standstill, sometimes all that remains are lines of flight to cling to. From Beirut to Gaza, from the south to the north of the Mediterranean, beyond geographical coordinates, trajectories endure—a ferment of possibilities and a need to think. More than mere movement, this is about transcending boundaries—whether real or symbolic—that hinder our paths or become deeply ingrained in our minds, already calling into question the very possibility of crossing them. For the obstacles are many: war and its traps, fear and its walls, arbitrariness and its violence. Under the dual theme of “Crossing/Breaking Free,” the Nouvelles Rencontres d’Averroès, organized this year in partnership with the Lebanese newspaper L’Orient-Le Jour, explore how societies seek paths to emancipation despite conflicts and the upheavals they bring—both personal and collective. They also examine the constant pushing of the boundaries of law and freedoms, in a renewed quest for forms of citizenship to defend and reinvent. “Franchir/s’affranchir” thus represents an act of initiative: continuing to move forward, to create, and to pass on knowledge despite the obstacles. It involves reflecting on thresholds, boundaries, and transitions through intergenerational dialogue and the sharing of legacies. Testimonies, stories, and voices that reject both categorization and resignation make up this program, which calls for placing solidarity back at the heart of collective dynamics. From Wednesday, October 28, to Sunday, November 1, enjoy your usual events (roundtables, debates, and masterclasses), as well as a major interview marking the 900th anniversary of the philosopher Averroes with numerous guests, a tribute to Leïla Shahid, and special evening events featuring Rima Abdul-Malak and her Rima Poésie Club, Charles Berberian for an illustrated concert, and Fred Nevché for an exclusive, intimate concert. Please note: there have been changes to the dates and venues! The Nouvelles Rencontres d’Averroès have been moved up by a few weeks (Oct. 28–Nov. 1) as they are part of the Saison Méditerranée program. Due to construction at La Criée, the event will take place at the Théâtre de l’Odéon (162 La Canebière), the Espace Julien (Wednesday evening), and the Mucem (Thursday evening).