Burkina Faso, Essay Example

Theatre origins

Colonial French rule helped develop theatre culture Burkina Faso. After independence from French rule,theatres in Burkina Faso borrowed from forum theatres. In addition, traditional rituals of different ethnic groups also exerted influence on theatre culture.

Development of theatre

Theatre purpose

• After independence, their primary purpose was to entertain rural population
• Theatres were also used as means to educate rural population about cultures and traditions

Theatre forms

• Drama
• Traditional music
• Cinema
• Traditional dance

Theatre conventions

• Compagnie Theatrale Falinga
• Recreatrales
• La troupe des Masques de boni

Important artists (playwrights, actors, directors, patrons)

• Thomas Sankara who wrote national anthem writer
• Bonde Kanoudancer
• Gnoumou N’wamousinger
• Bonde Yacouba

Important Theatres

• Altelier-Theatre Burkinabe
• Union des ensembles dramatiques de Ouagadougou

Important plays

• Burkina Faso wrestling
• Burkina Faso traditional dance play

Source material for plays

• Cultural events and festivals
• Historical events
• Traditional rituals
• Pre-colonial events
• National events and festivals

Performance spaces

• Market places
• Initiation ceremonies/grounds
• Funeral ceremonies/places
• Temples

The audience

• The audience is composed of rural class population and include people of all ages and gender such as men, women, children and teenagers

Impact of “Western Theatre”

• French theatre inspired the development of forum theatre in Burkina Faso
• French theatre influenced Burkina Faso artists to experiment with the fusion of traditional techniques with French techniques