Ogoni Opera

Based on a film script in English by the leader of this community, Barry Wugale, I adapted the text and directed the community of Ogoni refugees in exile in Benin for this musical theatre work. The music and dance come from the repertoire of the community itself, which has used this medium to express its protests as activists. The performance was staged in a French translation provided by the community itself, as were all aspects of the production.

At the annual conference of the African Theatre Association, of which I am a member, held in Stuttgart in 2025, I was able to show the video recording made by Uche Andrew during the dress rehearsal.

première

23 november 2024

producer

Ogoni Refugee community

location

CRR John Smith, Ouidah

text: Barry Wugale

translation into French: Ogoni refugee community.

music: Ogoni refugee community

concept and staging: Javier López Piñón

performed by the Ogony refugee community in Ouidah, consisting of actors, singers, instrumental ensemble, dance group