Zoundw©ogo: The Burkina Faso Institute for Theater Research (IRTB) organized a therapeutic show titled “waa-manegba” in Gogo, Zoundw©ogo province, to aid displaced individuals affected by terrorism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the activity was conducted on Saturday and is part of a larger effort to merge artistic and psychological techniques to help soothe trauma. Paul Zoungrana, director of IRTB, explained that “the theater of appeasement” is a unique form of theater that goes beyond entertainment by offering tools for trauma relief. The workshops included theater, storytelling, singing, dancing, and stress-regulation exercises.
The “waa-manegba” troupe, consisting of twenty internally displaced women, facilitated these activities which allowed participants to interact directly with the performers. Zoungrana emphasized that this participatory approach helps the audience to reveal and soothe themselves. Actress Odile Zemtogo highlighted that the initiative has had a positive impact on the troupe members’ mental health.
Malian artist-author Faly Traor© praised the initiative, noting its potential to boost morale among those affected by terrorism. The IRTB’s project is supported by various partners including the Ministries of Culture and Humanitarian Action, and international collaborators like Monaco’s cooperation in Burkina Faso.
Zoungrana stated that the support has enabled the IRTB to not only focus on artistic and psychological healing but also train women in entrepreneurship and income-generating activities, such as soap making and beadwork. The ongoing campaign aims to reach between 1,000 and 1,500 people across the Center-South region, with aspirations to expand further if additional support is secured.