Still We rise

Compagnie Courage dives into the Paris of the 1920s where the Martinikaanse Paulette Nardal organizes salons where writers and poets from the Caribbean, West Africa, and the U.S.A. (especially from the Harlem Renaissance movement from New York) come together. In these literary salons, the Négritude movement is born. A literary movement, created as a reaction to colonialism and racism, it embodies the metamorphosis from oppression to liberation and pride. Zambian slam poet Lindah Leah Nyirenda, Ivorian actress Yves Marina Gnahoua, and actress Maryam Sserwamukoko – together pay tribute to the Négritude movement, with poems by groundbreaking figures such as Suzanne Césaire, Paulette Nardal, Aimé Césaire, and Léopold Senghor. In addition, the timeless words of iconic Black American poets – such as Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin – also come to life, whose work captures the essence of resilience and change. The three actresses sing, laugh, and play with words and images as if in a jazz improv session. Their recitations are accompanied live by the immersive sounds of the Mexican musician Luiz Márquez, who adds an extra dimension to the poetic experience with his musical improvisations. Still We Rise is an ode to transformation, and a powerful reminder that something new and strong can always rise from the ashes of the past. CREDITS Text: Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Lindah Leah Nyirenda Regie: Alain Pringels Performers: Lindah Leah Nyirenda, Yves-Marina Gnahoua, Maryam Sserwamukoko Live-Music: Luiz Márquez Productie: Compagnie couRage Photos: Shaïri Pringels Opname: Pieter Vanholme Met with the support of: Stad Gent and Theater Tinnenpot