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On October 27, 28 & 29, 2010 at 8pm AfricAvenir will present the world premiere of the theatre play ‘Traumatism’ by the Beninese director Ousmane Aledji and his company Agbo-N’Koko at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin. Ousmane Aledji – one of the most important directors in West Africa – and his company Agbo N’Koko will be in Berlin from October 25 to 31.

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

Inspired by Aimé Césaire’s works, ‘Traumatism’ combines theatre with live video projection, dance and hip hop. This rhythmic interaction of metaphoric words serves as a medium of learning about Africa and enables the valorisation of historic knowledge. Ousmane Aledji proves once more that he does not stage any folklore. His theatre is a theatre of urgency, subtle and direct at the same time – a really contemporary work.

Aledji writes about “Traumatism”: 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?

In opposite to literature the theatre scene in Berlin and Germany is not yet open to African theatre. African creations are only presented at very special festivals. This is why we are even more glad to present “Traumatism”, the latest opus by one of the most brilliant and independent dramaturges of the African continent.

Ousmane Aledji will be available for interviews on October 26, 2010 from 10 a.m. onwards.

Rehearsal at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Theatersaal, 26.10.2010 at 12 a.m.
On October 28, 2010 there will be a public discussion with the director and his company after the performance.

To order tickets, please email [Email=[email protected]">[email protected].
Entrance fee: €13, reduced €10

CONTACT
Judith Strohm, AfricAvenir International: 0162-9718519
Usha Adjamah: 0176-38402310

www.africavenir.org