Mohamed El Khatib is a French author, director, filmmaker, and visual artist whose work occupies a unique place at the intersection of documentary theater, contemporary art, literature, and social inquiry. Trained in sociology and deeply influenced by ethnographic methods, he has developed an artistic practice that transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary theatrical experiences.

Over the past decade, El Khatib has emerged as one of the most influential voices in contemporary European performance. His projects are built through long-term collaborations with people who rarely appear on stage—cleaning workers, football supporters, children of divorced parents, nursing-home residents, and families navigating migration, grief, and social change. Through humor, empathy, and meticulous observation, he creates works that challenge conventional distinctions between art and everyday life.

He first gained international attention with Finir en beauté (2014), an autobiographical work inspired by the death of his mother, which received the Grand Prix de Littérature Dramatique, France’s most prestigious award for dramatic writing. Subsequent productions, including Moi, Corinne Dadat (2015), STADIUM (2017), La Dispute (2019), Boule à neige (2020), Renault 12 (2023), and The Secret Life of Old People (2024), have toured extensively throughout Europe and established him as a leading figure in documentary and participatory performance.

Beyond the stage, El Khatib has developed a significant body of work in museums and public spaces. His exhibitions and visual art projects have been presented by major cultural institutions including Mucem in Marseille and Collection Lambert in Avignon. His practice continually expands the possibilities of contemporary storytelling by bringing artistic institutions into dialogue with communities often excluded from cultural representation.

His work has been presented at some of Europe’s most prominent festivals and performing arts institutions, including Festival d’Avignon, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Festival d’Automne à Paris, Wiener Festwochen, Théâtre de la Ville, Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, and numerous national theaters and contemporary arts centers across Europe. He is also the recipient of the International Ibsen Scholarship, awarded to artists whose work contributes to the renewal of contemporary theater.

Across theater, visual art, film, and installation, Mohamed El Khatib continues to redefine documentary performance as a space of encounter, where personal narratives illuminate broader social realities. His work offers audiences an experience that is at once intimate and political, grounded in the conviction that every life contains stories worthy of collective attention.

UCLA Nimoy Theater is located at 1262 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024. For GPS, use 10866 Wilshire Blvd to reach the parking structure. The entrance is on Glendon Avenue — look for either entrance marked VISITOR. Parking is $4, beginning at 5 pm for evening performances and 12 pm for matinees. Arriving before these times will incur the $30 day parking fee.

The box office is open Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm, and opens 60 minutes before showtime on show nights. The box office is cashless and accepts all major credit cards. For day-of questions, call 310-206-8655. For general inquiries, contact info@cap.ucla.edu or call 310-825-4401.

All late seating is based on availability and at the discretion of house manager.

Accessible seating and assistive listening are available. Ask any house staff member for assistance. For additional accommodations, contact info@cap.ucla.edu.

Beer, wine, mixed beverages, water, soda, and coffee are available in the lobby. Valid ID required for alcohol. Credit cards and cash accepted. For nearby restaurant options, visit the UCLA Nimoy Theater page.

A digital house program for this performance is available to view or download before the show. Find it on the CAP UCLA Program Notes page.

If the performance is sold out, join the standby line at the box office on the night of the show. A waitlist may also be available — if tickets are released, you will be notified by email with a window to purchase.