The hall of the International Theatre Festival of Benin (Fitheb Cotonou) hosts this Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 8pm, the dance and theatre group ”LARRED Ballets” of the University of Abomey-Calavi. Called “UMBILICAL Cord”, this show, a first by the way, is a meeting of culture, art and science in its sociology-anthropology discipline. The events will take place under the co-sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts and Professor Dodji Amouzouvi, with the financial support of the Arts and Culture Fund.
“UMBILICAL CORD” is a performance of about 1 hour 30 minutes with about ten actors on stage in different roles. A collective creation of Larred ( Analysis and Religions, Spaces and Development Research Laboratory), of the University of Abomey-Calavi, to serve as a bridge between the doctorate in sociology-anthropology and its applicability on the stage. The “UMBILICAL Cord” is in fact a compendium of all the theses held in religion, specifically the perception of witchcraft, Thron Vodoun, Dan, Sakpata, the pastor’s profession, Islam and many others.
The Larred ballets, from science on stage.
The Larred Ballets is a performance group, a performing arts and dance group, made up of students and doctoral students. The primary vision of the creation of this green institution is to enhance outings, scientific activities, reunions and entertainment. But over time, Larred’s leaders have expressed a willingness to innovate and look at things in a new way. They therefore decided to translate the results of their doctoral theses into words, songs and dances on stage.
From the university cocoon to new horizons through ‘UMBILICAL Cord’.
Professor Dodji Amouzouvi is the scientific director of Larred. According to him, ‘UMBILICAL CORD’ is the first ever performance of song, dance and speech that looks back at the results of Larred’s various research projects. A meeting of culture, art and science in his discipline sociology-anthropology. Several paintings of deities will be presented at the preview of this show which will be held tomorrow Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Fitheb hall in Cotonou from 8:00.
Larred’s perspectives after the preview of ‘UMBILICAL Cord’.
Several shows will be organised to keep the momentum going, says Larred’s director, Professor Dodji Amouzouvi. A private evening will be given and will bring together luminaries and great figures of traditional dance, contemporary dance, singing and theatre. A first performance of the show is also planned and will be followed by a national tour as part of the laboratory’s artistic re-launch.
After the show on Saturday 06 August at the Fitheb in Cotonou, the group ”The Larred Ballets” will be on Sunday 07 August at the Palace of King Dako in Houawé Bohicon at 6pm to enliven the public once again.
