
Soukena is a poignant and evocative dance-theatre work inspired by the extraordinary life of Soukena Rossi, a French creative visionary who left an indelible mark on New York City’s fashion world. The piece chronicles her meteoric rise as a trendsetting editor, artist, and stylist, her struggles with mental health, and the profound complexities of navigating racial identity and societal expectations.
Through a fusion of dance, theatre, and performance art, Soukena captures the duality of a life lived at the intersection of brilliance and vulnerability. It explores the dazzling highs of her creative genius—the stunning editorials, the boundary-breaking ideas—and juxtaposes them with the depths of her personal battles. Soukena’s story is a paradox: she inspired the world with her vision but fell victim to a society that often overlooks the humanity behind greatness.
At its core, Soukena questions the value we place on individuals: do we cherish them for who they truly are, or for how they reflect and elevate our perception of ourselves? Through sculptural movement, archetypal imagery, and raw storytelling, the work immortalizes Soukena as an underground king, a legend who continues to challenge our understanding of love, legacy, and identity.