Tiébélé (1,5+) | Théâtre de la Guimbarde (Belgia)

Performance of art theatre for children (1.5+) and their close adults.

In the courtyard of a home sits a young white woman playing with clay. Mixing it with water. She paints with it, leaving clay traces. She reminiscent of a child playing with earth. Beside her sits a black woman. Her singing accompanied by the sweet sound of the N’goni. Together, they sketch patterns that will later appear on the walls of their homes. They imitate the gestures of ancestors and reaching into the roots of humanity.

“Tiébélé” evokes the beautiful patterns visible on houses in the village in Burkina Faso. This performance blends artistry with poetry. Earth with song. Act of fusion of the gestures of African female ancestors with the first marks made by young children.

The title of the performance refers to the village of Tiebelé, located in Burkina Faso (West Africa), approximately 19 km north of the Ghanaian border. The village is known for sukhali — elaborately painted house walls. It showcases the architecture of the Kassena ethnic group, inhabiting the area since the 15th century. Over 450 people live in the estate of the Tiébélé chief, in a large complex of typical sukhal – traditional painted houses. Children live with grandparents in octagonal huts, married couples in rectangular huts, and singles in round huts.

Traditional designs in black, white, and red are hand-painted between February and March, right after the harvest season. Decorating walls with these artistic patterns involves the entire community. Each geometric or illustrative drawing holds significance (symbols of fertility, afterlife, wisdom, etc.).

About the theatre

Since 1973, Théâtre de la Guimbarde has been specializing in projects for young audiences. The theater’s primary goal is to promote cultural accessibility for all, regardless of age or social background. In 2000, Théâtre La Guimbarde became the first in Belgium to develop performances for very young children (0-3 years). They organize the annual „Art And Toddlers” festival — an annual assembly of artists and experts in early childhood education.

• Concept and direction: Gaëtane Reginster
• Assistant: Daniela Ginevro
• Cast: Nadège Ouedraogo/Alex Lobo, Bérénice De Clercq
• Stage design: Laurence Jeanne Grosfils
• Costumes: Elyse Galiano
• Music: Zouratié Koné
• Lighting and technology: Vincent Stevens
• Video: Mathieu Georis