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L'âme d'un fou
“L’âme d’un fou” (The Soul of a Madman) by Congolese choreographer Merveilles Gall Toutou is a solo piece created as part of Don Sen Folo’s GNININI residency in Mali in November 2021.
Summary
In Mali, Congo, and many other African countries, the “madman” lives like an animal wandering the streets, rejected and abandoned by all. Undoubtedly struck by a fetish as a result of a malicious act he has committed, he is seen by society as a being devoid of human intelligence, reduced to the status of an animal. In addition to the suffering of their mental illness, which raises questions and causes fear, the madman must also endure the suffering of being rejected by everyone. But are they mad? How do we define a person as mad? What if, on the contrary, madness was the sublime form of intelligence… a form of wisdom that we, ordinary mortals considered “sane,” are far from possessing? It is this whole reflection that the dancer seeks to describe here in this contemporary dance performance. So that the world may change its view of the madman, so that everyone may reflect on the way they see him, so that he may regain his rightful place in society. The dancer invites you here to engage in this profound reflection, for individual and collective awareness….
Statement of intent
This show was created with the aim of changing society’s perception of a whole category of people who are unfairly labeled as “crazy.” It is necessary to reconsider them in a different light. They are entitled to respect, consideration, a social life, and access to care, because many of them can be cured. This show is therefore a real awareness-raising initiative for the world, highlighting a social phenomenon that needs to be changed. The dancer is calling on society and the public to use this contemporary dance show as an opportunity to change their perception of “mad people,” to accept and respect them, and even to learn from them… for a better and fairer world, so that we can live together in harmony.
Contact
Choreographer – Gall Merveilles TOUTOU
Phone: (+242) 06 604 29 60
Email: merveilletoutou@gmail.com
Cie.nguenimey@gmail.com
