In the heart of Bamako Koura, a vibrant neighborhood in the capital of Mali, an extraordinary cultural event is taking place. The theater festival ‘Les Praticables’ is captivating audiences and bringing a rejuvenating energy to the community. This festival not only offers entertainment, but also provides a fresh artistic and civic perspective that is greatly appreciated by all.
One of the highlights of the festival is the play ‘ET ON SE RACONTE!’, which takes place in a traditional family courtyard. The storyline revolves around a joyful wedding that takes an unexpected turn, revealing the harsh reality of forced marriages. What makes this play truly exceptional is that it is written and performed by seven talented high school girls, aged 15 to 17, from the city of Mopti. Inspired by their own experiences, they have created a script that sheds light on the challenges they face in their daily lives.
Mariam Sidibé, one of the young playwrights, shares the motivations behind their work: “We want to convince people not to engage in actions that can have serious consequences, such as forcing young girls into marriage. When a girl is forced into marriage, it can lead to negative thoughts and actions. She may consider suicide or running away.” Through their play, these girls aim to raise awareness and challenge societal norms that perpetuate harmful practices.
However, the issues addressed by these young girls go beyond their personal experiences and reflect the complex and volatile context of their region. Mopti has been grappling with the presence of jihadist groups since 2011, and the play explores the intricate dynamics between violence and family ties.
Coumba Traoré, another student involved in the project, highlights the insidious nature of terrorism: “In Mopti, we see that the terrorists are often people who are close to us, but due to various factors such as money or minor disputes, they opt for violence. They can even be our neighbors, and they have caused immense pain and loss in our community.” Through their art, these young voices bring to light the complexities of conflict within their society.
Jeanne Diama, the facilitator of the writing workshops in Mopti, played a pivotal role in empowering the girls to shape their ideas and bring their performance to life. She emphasizes the importance of letting the girls tell their own story: “I wanted to ensure that the play truly represented their experiences, so I encouraged them to take ownership of the writing process. It’s their story, not mine, and it’s important for them to show that these issues are holding them back.”
The impact of ‘ET ON SE RACONTE!’ extends beyond the local community of Mopti. Plans are already in motion for a national tour, where these young students will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights with their peers from other regions of Mali. This journey will not only showcase their talent but also contribute to a broader dialogue on the issues affecting young people in the country.
In conclusion, the theater festival ‘Les Praticables’ in Bamako Koura is providing a platform for young artists to express themselves and tackle pressing societal issues. The play ‘ET ON SE RACONTE!’ written by high school girls from Mopti is a powerful testament to their creativity and resilience. Through their captivating performances, they are raising awareness and challenging norms, leaving a lasting impact on their community and beyond.