Dumanlé Company (Ivory Coast) – Nikoko Hermann YAO

German première, with the support of the Goethe-Institut

Humanity destroys itself by destroying the forest, because it is home to so many forms of life. Sacred Forest is a show that transports us into an imaginary universe in which the forest establishes a dialogue with humans. Inspired by a tale by the artist Binda N'GAZOLO, this artistic experience is built around dance, circus, songs and percussions of African origin. It shows us that each element of the forest carries life that we must preserve. The forest is life; it is our future.

In Africa, there are particular stories about experiences with the forests. Sacred Forest is an artistic work that gives a voice to the trees, the animals and all the species that suffer from the evil of environmental destruction. Aerial fabrics symbolize the lianas, the hoop represents the nest of birds, and songs and percussion highlight the singular atmosphere of our African forests. Telling this story with the body is a way of transmitting the pain inflicted on trees when they suffer our violence.

Directed by the choreographer Nikoko Hermann YAO, Ivoire Cirque Décalé is the youth section of the COMPAGNIE DUMANLE. The artists are generally street dancers who have skills in several areas, such as acrobatics, urban dance, traditional dances, percussion, singing and acting. In 2021, Ivoire Cirque Décalé created “Abidjan at com”, an acrobatic dance show presenting the daily life of African teenagers on the streets in search of a bright future. This production was successful, touring in Africa and Europe. The second production, “Sacred Forest”, came out of a residency during the Intercultural Circus Meetings of Abidjan in March 2023.

Team:
Choreography: Hermann Nikoko YAO
Performers: Dramane OUATTARA, Denise Kouamé, Huguette N'Dri, Prisca KOUAME, Rudy Ahoutou, Emmanuel Nangban
Director: Aristide Yao
Scenography: after an idea of Chantal Djédjé
Technical production: The Vessel Company (Sweden)
Lighting: Aristide Yao

Credits:
Production: compagnie Dumanlé, cultural factory
Performance with the support of Goethe-Institute

In front of Schauspielhaus, free entry