Residents of Bougsemtenga in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, are transforming their homes, courtyards and streets into performance spaces as the 14th edition of the Récréâtrales theatre festival brings artists and communities together. Running from October 24 to 31, the festival gives local residents an active role in creating and hosting performances, continuing a tradition of community participation that has been central to the event since its beginnings. One of the highlights is Les Mouches, an opening production developed by choreographer Djibril Ouattara, who has worked with women and young people from the neighbourhood since February. The performance explores humanity through care, solidarity and the ability to create beauty together.
Ouattara says the process involves learning from residents rather than imposing professional techniques, drawing on their own movements, experiences and cultural knowledge to shape the choreography. Agathe Serré, a member of the Bougsemtenga Women’s Association, has participated in the festival since 2006. She described the demanding rehearsals as a rewarding experience that showed how community members of different ages can contribute to ambitious artistic projects. The festival also provides opportunities for young people to gain experience in acting, dance, volunteering and technical production. Claude Ilboudo, popularly known as “Gohou”, grew up participating in the event and has since become a professional actor.
This year’s program features artists and technicians from 12 countries, with 68 professionals helping transform a 550-metre stretch of the neighborhood into an urban performance space. Beyond entertainment, the Récréâtrales aims to make theatre accessible to people who might not ordinarily attend conventional venues. Performances take place in family courtyards and outdoor stages, alongside readings, discussions, music and productions for younger audiences. By placing residents at the center of the creative process, the festival highlights the role of community participation in sustaining African theatre and connecting artistic expression with everyday life.
