Watch: Ouagadougou’s neighbourhood courtyards become a theatre festival

In Ouagadougou, the stage extends beyond a theatre building. Africanews reports from Bougsemtenga, where residents are opening their courtyards to performances during the Récréâtrales festival’s 14th edition, scheduled for 24–31 October.

The report follows the relationship between professional artists and the people who help produce the event. Choreographer Djibril Ouattara has been working with local women and young people on an opening performance, while residents contribute experience built over years of participation.

What makes this worth watching is the way a neighbourhood becomes part of the production itself. The streets, rehearsal spaces and family courtyards help explain how the festival reaches audiences who might not ordinarily enter a formal theatre. Watch Africanews’ original report above for the interviews and performance footage.

Original video: africanews on YouTube. Publisher’s accompanying report. Video and thumbnail belong to the original publisher. Montage Africa provides the selection and written context.