RE: LeoThread 2024-10-26 11:47
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Burkinabe playwright aims to break the silence about rape
Olivia Ouedraogo, a playwright from Burkina Faso, is taking a stand against rape with her play "Reine" (translated to "Queen"). The performance aims to highlight the often ignored issues surrounding sexual violence in Africa. She emphasizes the need to speak out and not to accept being victimized. This cultural silence is a significant problem that needs addressing.
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The play premiered on October 15 at the Acte Sept cultural centre in Bamako, Mali. The performance took place in a dark room with Ouedraogo dramatically holding a fabric stained with what looks like blood, symbolizing the violence against women. Her powerful message encourages victims to voice their experiences rather than remain silent.
Ouedraogo's motivation stems from her anger about how society views victims of rape. She expresses frustration over the stigma that leads victims to feel "dirty" or "trash" and forces them to keep silent to avoid conflict within families. Her call is for women to reclaim their voices and confront these issues.
Statistics reveal the extent of the problem: nearly 50% of women in Mali aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Alarmingly, 68% of these women have never reported their experiences to anyone, indicating a deep-rooted culture of silence.
Adama Traore, director of Acte Sept, believes the silence surrounding rape is a widespread issue that transcends cultures and continents. He recognizes the importance of confronting these dark realities through art. The play serves as a platform for discussion, encouraging audiences to engage with uncomfortable truths.
Mariama Samake, who leads the Malian NGO “Girl in Distress,” highlights that the culture of silence affects every family in Mali. The societal pressure in this patriarchal society forces victims to remain quiet about their trauma, perpetuating the cycle of violence.
Ouedraogo's play "Reine" is set to be performed again next month in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. This continued performance illustrates her commitment to spreading awareness and promoting dialogue about sexual violence across borders.
The themes presented in "Reine" resonate globally. Many regions face similar issues with violence against women being swept under the rug. Art and theater can serve as vital tools for advocacy and change, helping to break the silence that surrounds these topics.
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