Theatre World Premiere: „Traumatismes – Traumata“ by Ousmane Aledji (Benin), 27.-29.10.2010 | 20h at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin

In the framework of „50 Years of African Independences – A (self)critical Evaluation“ AfricAvenir will present the World Premiere of Ousmane Aledji’s latest stage play „Traumata – Traumatismes“, on the 27, 28 and 29 October 2010 at 8 p.m. at Haus der Kulturen der Welt. Original version with German surtitles. nTraumata – Traumatismes
By Ousmane Aledji and the theatre company Agbo-N’Koko from Cotonou/Benin
(FRENCH version with GERMAN supertitles)

Wed 27.10. – Fri 29.10.2010 | 20h | HKW
28.10. | Discussion after the performance

Is it possible to celebrate 50 years of African Independence? What has happened since? With "Traumatism" Ousmane Aledji artistically takes stock. Sarcastic, sometimes resigned, then again angry, explosive, fierce, he stages the collective memory of the "common people". What has become of the Pan-African visions of Césaire, Lumumba or Nkrumah?

Inspired by Aimé Césaires writings, Aledji connects theatre with video projections, dance and hip hop. In this case, hip hop makes the insurrection of historical knowledge possible and becomes a contemporary artistic medium of learning about Africa.

“(…) sensational, irritating and breathtaking (…) Aledji creates a new form of African art-theatre.” (nachtkritik.de about Aledji’s last play “Omon mi”)

"Ousmane Aledjis theatre is a theatre of urgency, a truly contemporary opus." (Théâtre de l’Ephémère)

"How can one be optimistic when one is enraged? Is it possible to talk about independence without reminding colonisation? Thus, is it possible to talk about colonisation without becoming irate? Is it possible to create a new future without facing one’s past?" Ousmane Aledji about Traumatism.

Ousmane Aledji, born in Benin in 1970, is an author, poet and playwright. In 1993 he founded the Agbo-N’Koko theater company in Cotonou, Benin. Since 1995, Aledji is the chairman of the Association of Beninese Plawrights and the editor of the Art Magazine ARTISTTIK-AFRICA. His stagings are marked by a distinctively impressive, forthright and unruly way. More information: www.africavenir.org

This project is presented by AfricAvenir International e.V. in cooperation with Haus der Kulturen der Welt and supported by "Aktion Afrika" of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Admissions: 13 euro / conc. 10 euro
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