Ogoni Opera. Theatrical Invention Based on Witnessed Events

Art at the Convergence of Documentary Theatre, Reenactment, and Therapy

Abstract

On November 23 of last year, Ogoni Opera had its opening night in Ouidah. It was entirely produced and performed by the refugee community and met with a warm reception from the Beninese audience. For this first number of the Revue Internationale des Inventions Théâtrales Africaines, the creative process that has led to this production might serve as an inspiring example how the performing arts can also touch on goals and intentions beyond the purely aesthetic.