“Inbox / Salz & Säulen” performed in Burkina Faso: a celebration of connection and cultural exchange

Following its successful premiere in Austria and subsequent presentation in Norway, the theatre piece “Inbox / Salz & Säulen” continued its intercultural journey with two performances in Burkina Faso — at Les Récréâtrales Theatre in Ouagadougou on 6 December 2024, and the following day at the Opera Village Africa in Ziniaré.

These performances marked a significant moment in the DECONFINING collaboration between the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 and Opera Village Africa, bringing the dialogue between European and African artists back to the African continent.

Written by Sidiki Yougbaré (Burkina Faso) and Thiemo Strutzenberger (Austria), and directed by Polina Solotowizki and Sidiki Yougbaré, “Inbox / Salz & Säulen” explores the challenges and beauty of intercultural communication. Through a blend of theatre, music, and movement — performed in German, French, and Mooré — the production captures the struggle and joy of understanding across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

The performances in Burkina Faso were met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt responses. At Les Récréâtrales in Ouagadougou, the audience reacted with laughter, applause, and engagement throughout the performance, while the following day’s show at Opera Village Africa drew a large and mostly young audience. For many in attendance, particularly the children and youth from the surrounding Ziniaré region, the performance offered a moment of recognition and pride in their own languages and cultural heritage.

By combining elements of Austrian yodeling and Burkinabé soul music, the piece created an unexpected yet powerful dialogue between traditions. The Burkina Faso presentations stood as a moving testament to the strength of artistic collaboration — showing how theatre can transcend barriers of geography, language, and history to create a shared emotional space.

The performances in Ouagadougou and Ziniaré concluded an inspiring and multi-year cooperation between European and African artists and institutions — a journey that truly embodies the DECONFINING spirit of openness, exchange, and co-creation.