Where tradition meets stage

sound becomes story

Zakaria Hajjaj on Stage

ZAKARIA HAJJAJ

Musical Dramaturge · Sound · Production

Dramaturgy of Tension · Philosophy

ARCHITECTING SOUND IN PHYSICAL SPACE.

I do not design sound — I architect dramaturgical tension. In the space between Nietzsche's Apollonian form and the Dionysian surge of Gnawa ritual, I discovered that sound is never accompaniment. It is the body's unwritten score — an écriture inscribed on flesh, breath, and silence. My practice fuses the trance architectures of Moroccan ceremonial tradition with the post-dramatic ruptures of contemporary stage, constructing sonic environments where rhythm becomes a somatic force that dictates narrative, destabilizes perception, and transforms the performer's body into a site of living resistance.

Axiom I Sound is Physical
Axiom II Silence is Violent
Axiom III Tension is Form

The Stage

Where energy becomes physical

Disciplines

I

Musical Dramaturge

Integrating music as a character and narrative driver within theatrical performances, symbolizing time and emotion.

II

Music Producer

Crafting unique sonic landscapes that blend Moroccan Gnawa with global influences and modern production techniques.

III

Sound Designer

Creating aesthetically pleasing atmospheres and thought-provoking soundscapes for stage, film, and documentary.

IV

Sound Engineer

Expertise in recording, mixing, mastering, and live sound manipulation using tools like Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro.

V

Instrumentalist

Proficient in traditional and modern instruments including Guembri, Bass, Percussion, Cajon, Drums, and Keyboard.

Khyal Jha Poster
Musical Dramaturge

خيال جحا (Khyal Jha)

A captivating play set in an imagined world. The performance incorporated music production, sound design, and engineering techniques. Through innovative voice modulation, performers' voices were transformed, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Khyal Jha Shadow Play
Wachmat Poster
Sound Designer

الواشمات (Wachmat)

A thought-provoking play delving into mental health. With carefully selected music, the production creates an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that heightens the emotional impact during dramatic moments.

The Bald Soprano Direction
Musical Dramaturge

المغنية الصلعاء (The Bald Soprano)

In Eugène Ionesco's play, music takes on a character of its own, symbolizing time. The rhythmic cajon instrument drives the performers and sets the overall rhythm of the show.

Zakaria Hajjaj playing cajon
Stage Direction
Sound Engineer

Film & Documentary

Creating immersive audio experiences, foley recording, and dialogue editing for short films including "Mirage" and "The Convict," as well as various documentary and marketing projects.

Audio mixing setup
The Name of God - Album Art
Gnawa / World Music Fusion

The Name of God

A hypnotic blend of Irish and Moroccan musical elements, utilizing traditional Moroccan instruments alongside ethereal, melodic arrangements.

Somatic Performance Mechanics — E-Book by Zakaria Hajjaj
Educational · 2024

Somatic Performance
Mechanics

A comprehensive guide exploring the intersection of body awareness, sound perception, and theatrical performance. From Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty to contemporary somatic practices—this book maps the mechanics of physical presence on stage.

PDF + EPUB Format
240+ Pages
EN / FR Language

The Journey

2024

Master's Degree

Theatre, Artistic & Digital Culture - Ibn Tofail University

2023

Professional License

Theatre & Performing Arts - Ibn Tofail University

2020

Baccalauréat

Science Humaine (French Option)

Let's Create Together

For bookings, collaborations, and professional inquiries regarding sound design, music production, or musical dramaturgy.

Kenitra, Morocco