In recent years, Burkina Faso has unfortunately been the scene of extreme violence that has torn the social fabric of the country. Indeed, the rise of extremist groups, clashes with government forces and successive coups d’état have plunged a large part of the population into instability and precariousness. In this difficult context, events such as the Recreatrales theatre festival take on their full meaning and become symbols of hope and resilience for the Burkinabés.
Take the example of Fanta Charlotte Dabone, a mother of three who had to flee her village after a terrorist attack, leaving behind her husband and her farm. Displaced from place to place, she struggles to provide for her family. However, when she participates in this festival, she is transformed and finds a little joy and lightness. On stage, she feels alive, full of vitality, far from the torments of everyday life.
The Bougsemtenga neighborhood, which hosts the Recreatrales festival, is transformed into a magical place, where the magic of theater operates and allows residents to escape, if only for a moment, from the dark reality that surrounds them. The artists, whether African or European, come together to offer a grandiose show, filled with colors and poignant stories.
Claude Ilboudo, a former glazier who became a dancer following an accident, also embodies the spirit of the festival. For him, Recreatrales is synonymous with hope, both on a personal level and for the entire neighborhood. Each performance is an affirmation of life in the face of death, a resistance against the adversity and violence that shake the country.
Aristide Tarnagda, artistic director of the festival, ardently defends the idea that theater is a remedy against the darkness that surrounds Burkina Faso. By choosing the theme “Turning the Face to the Sun” for this edition, it invites spectators and artists to look to the future with optimism and determination.
In conclusion, the Recreatrales festival embodies a breath of fresh air in a country ravaged by conflict and uncertainty. It offers a space of freedom, creativity and solidarity, where everyone can find temporary refuge and regain hope for a better future. Art in all its forms proves to be a precious bulwark against violence and darkness, and it is by celebrating culture and diversity that Burkina Faso will be able to rebuild itself, step by step, show after show.