A performance that spotlights strength, history and the future. Based on the personal stories of Guinean women about what they carry metaphorically and literally. About everyday life in which they balance heavy loads on their heads and carry each other in their solidarity. And where ancient traditions still affect the body.

Yongoyely is a raw performance, but also poetic and full of hope. A visual discussion about women’s living conditions, liberation and identity in today’s Guinea. Eight circus artists onstage in a simple yet highly symbolic scenography in which every element carries meaning. The women balance concrete blocks on their heads, climb ropes that almost break and throw themselves through the air.

Carrying great weight on the head, a central capability for many African women, is highlighted as a necessity as well as a demonstration of strength. This is a powerful, feminist and visually captivating tribute to those who bear up their societies.  Through song, music, dance and circus art, the performers create an awesome and deeply hopeful experience.

The French-Guinean Cirque Baobab, founded in 1998, combines traditional West African acrobatics with contemporary circus art and urban energy. In addition to their touring performances, the company organizes social and pedagogic initiatives for young people in Guinea and internationally. The Gothenburg Dance and Theatre Festival presented their highly esteemed production Yé! In 2024, which was received enthusiastically by audiences and critics alike.

After the performance, Kristallfoajén will remain open for a meet and greet with the artists.

Single tickets released on 21 May.

On Stage

Kadiatou Camara
Mamadama Camara
Yarie Camara
Mariama Ciré Soumah
M’Mah Soumah
M’Mah Sylla
Djibril Coumbassa
Amara Tambassa
Mohamed Touré

Artistic Team

Artistic Direction
Kerfalla Camara

Direction and Set Design
Yann Ecauvre

Circus Collaboration
Julie Delaire and Mehdi Azéma

Music and Sound
Yann Ecauvre and Mehdi Azéma

Choreography (Collective)
Yann Ecauvre, Mehdi Azéma, Julie Delaire, Mouna Nemri, and the performers

Lighting Design
Jean-Marie Prouvèze

Costume Design
Solenne Capmas

Production

Company
Circus Baobab

Delegated Production
R’en Cirque

Executive Producer
Richard Djoudi

Co-produced by

Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen, Archaos Pôle National Cirque Marseille, La Verrerie d’Alès Pôle National Cirque Occitanie, Théâtre de Rungis

Residencies and Partners

Le Pôle – scène conventionnée, La Scala Provence, La Scala Paris, Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen, La Verrerie d’Alès Pôle National Cirque Occitanie, Théâtre de Rungis

Supported by

FODAC (Fonds de Développement des Arts et de la Culture en Guinée), Ministère de la Culture, du Tourisme et de l’Artisanat de Guinée, Institut Français, AFD (Agence Française du Développement)