Récréâtrales turns a Ouagadougou neighbourhood into a theatre
For the 14th edition, Bougsemtenga's courtyards and a 550-metre street become stages until 31 October.
Lire cet article en français →
Ouagadougou — The Récréâtrales theatre festival is back in Ouagadougou for its 14th edition, running from 24 to 31 October in the Bougsemtenga neighbourhood.
Residents have co-produced the festival since it began. They open their family courtyards to performances, and a 550-metre lane becomes an open-air stage for the week, built by 68 technicians and artists from 12 countries.
Choreographer Djibril Ouattara has worked since February with local women and young people on the opening show, Les Mouches. He says performing in the neighbourhood makes art open to everyone.
The festival has grown its own talent. Agathe Serré, an amateur actress from the Bougsemtenga Women's Association, has performed every year since 2006. Claude Ilboudo, known as Gohou, took part as a child and is now a professional actor.
The programme runs from morning until the early hours and includes readings, shows for young audiences, talks, music nights and theatre in courtyards and on the street.
Source: Africanews, 28 October 2026.
