Atelier-Théâtre Burkinabè

The Atelier-Théâtre Burkinabè (ATB) is a Burkinabè theatre group which practises "theatre for development".

Overview

The ATB was founded on June 18 1978 by Prosper Komparoré.cite web
title = Official site
publisher = Atelier Theatre Burkinabe (A.T.B.)
date = 2000
language = French
url = http://www.atb.bf/atb.html
accessdate =2008-07-16 ] Inspired by his Komparoré's own heritage, and by the forum theatre technique of Brazilian playwright Augusto Boal, the ATB focuses on the participation and creativity of the audience.cite book
last = Banham
first = Martin
authorlink =
title = The Cambridge Guide to Theatre
publisher = Cambridge University Press
date = 1995
pages = 142
url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=8qMTPAPFGXUC
isbn =0521434378 ] The audience are encouraged to take part in debates following the productions, where they critique the actors' performances and create different scenarios. The theme of the productions generally revolve around economic, social, technical or cultural development and are known as "social theatre" or "theatre for development". The group established a permanent headquarters in Ouagadougou in June 1991.

The ATB is made up of volunteer actors, and includes children, who are taught by adult actors. Every year, the ATB produces about 10 plays in major cities, and approximately 30 forum theatre pieces in towns and villages. In 1999, Komparoré opened a centre for theatrical arts at the ATB for the purpose of training animateurs and entrepreneurs.cite book
last = Herbert
first = Ian
authorlink =
coauthors = Nicole Leclercq
title = The World of Theatre: An Account of the Theatre Seasons 1996-97, 1997-98 and
publisher = Taylor & Francis
date = 2000
pages = 38
url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=TG2mP5KTDn8C
isbn =0415238668 ] They also collaborate with other theatre groups and organisations including the National Federation of Forum Theatre (FNTF).

ee also

*Theatre in Burkina Faso

References

External links

* [http://www.atb.bf/atb.html Official site]