The Récréatrales Festival, a Beacon of Hope Amidst Conflict...

In Burkina Faso, a country ravaged by conflict, the past three years have been tough for many. However, thanks to the Récréatrales festival, an international theater event, over 4.500 participants were able to find hope and escape the harsh realities of their surroundings.

Fanta Charlotte Dabone, a mother of three, fled her village after it was attacked, leaving behind her husband and farm. Since then, she has struggled to provide for her family. However, last month, she found solace in theater, dancing and singing before a captivated audience at Les Récréatrales in Ouagadougou. “When I’m on stage, I’m very happy. It’s when I have to go home that the bad memories come back,” she shared.

Burkina Faso, once known for its vibrant arts scene, is now a symbol of the security crisis in the Sahel, facing violence from extremist groups. Estimates suggest that more than 60% of the country is outside government control, with over 2 million people displaced and nearly 6.5 million in need of humanitarian aid.

Despite the challenges, in October, the Bougsemtenga neighborhood in the capital became a festival ground for Les Récréatrales. The streets transformed into a dreamlike space as over 150 artists performed, offering more than 4,500 theater enthusiasts a momentary escape from the bleakness of daily life.

Aristide Tarnagda, the festival’s artistic director, emphasized the importance of holding the event despite the insecurity. Theater, he said, is a statement of “the primacy of life over death.” He added that gathering to watch and perform plays is a form of resistance against adversity and violence. This year’s theme, “Turning the Face Toward the Sun”, encapsulated hope and resilience in the face of hardship.