A solo by Serge Aimé Coulibaly or Manibi Djakaridja Koné

A man is sat alone on a public bench.

This man is a native of Burkina Faso.  Several years ago, he left his country, just after the first reforms for democracy.  He married in France.  He has been living rough for several months, kicked out by his wife .

He was a member of the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR), created when Thomas Sankara was in power, and he left his country after Sankara was assassinated. that day, sat on this bench, in a mixture of depression and revolt against society, he tells us of the hope that Captain Thomas Sankara aroused in Burkina Faso and Africa.

Being a foreign artist in Europe, I believe that it is important to provide proof that enables us to meet others in a world where foreigners are perceived as being the origin of all society’s problems, as well as to question others via our humanity, hope, solitude, wealth, differences and our common history.

This play lets someone who can no longer stand the indifference, or bear the critical gaze of others, who is hiding in the past, try to find an ounce of pride, and speak in the hope of finding some acknowledgement. The script, music, and dancing in Quand j’étais… satisfy one single desire, and. transmit emotion to challenge others more efficiently.

In traditional African societies, everything begins by words.  When words are  not sufficient to express everything you want to say, you sing, then the body begins to move to transcend the voice.  From this voice is born a vibration, a sensation that no longer requires words, song, or speech.

Direction and Choreography : Serge Aimé Coulibaly

Performers : Manibi Djakaridja Koné or Serge Aimé Coulibaly

Text : Serge Aimé Coulibaly, Renaud Antal

Light design : Yann Hendrickx

Costume : Emilie du Fossé

 music Arrangement: Benjamin Collier

Coproduction : Le Grand Bleu ENPDA Lille Nord-pas-de-calais, Culturesfrance- Ville de Lille, Faso Danse Théâtre.

With the support of  Doni Doni, et de la Condition publique