What does memory sound like? – Nadia Beugré at Gessnerallee

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

Rustling, crackling and soundscapes. Last weekend, Gessnerallee, both inside and outside on Judith-Gessner-Platz, was filled with fragile sounds, dense acoustic spaces, tactile worlds of experience and discursive spheres of thought. The works of Hannan Salamat and Fatima Moumouni, Jo Bannon, Tiran Willemse & Melika Ngombe Kolongo (Nkisi), Theres Indermaur & Stephanie Müller, as well as the reading by Cemile Sahin, were attended and loved by a curious and relaxed audience in extremely good spirits.

We are therefore all the more delighted that in just over a week, on 2 and 3 October, we will be hosting the impressive musical performance ‘Epique! (for Yikakou)’ by Ivorian choreographer Nadia Beugré – an evening that explores the sound of memories. The internationally renowned artist returned to Yikakou, a now abandoned village in the Ivory Coast in West Africa where she grew up, to develop this piece. In an interview with journalist Giulia Bernardi in the Gessnerallee Zeitung, Beugré explains how she is trying to breathe new life into this village through memory.

In ‘Epique! (for Yikakou)’, Beugré is accompanied on stage by performer and musician Charlotte Dali and the stories and sounds of female griot* Salimata Diabate, who echo her story and bear witness to it, in a blend of collective memories, rituals and intimate reflections.

You can get a first glimpse of the piece in the trailer. On 2 October, after the performance, there will be a public discussion with Nadia Beugré and Mona-Lisa Kole, activist and expert on discrimination issues.

Secure your tickets now!

* In parts of West Africa, a griot is a traditional professional singer, poet and storyteller who passes on oral traditions, history and culture through music and song.

Now for our weekly overview of programme items, newspaper articles and everything else we want to share with you:

Programme for the week

24 September, 5.30 pm

‘At the Borders of Europe’ by artasfoundation

Artistic creation in crisis areas is confronted with challenging questions. In this series of talks, various participants come together to reflect on their experiences. This time with Jennifer Steiner (WAV research collective) and Kübra Zeynep Sarıaslan (social anthropologist). More information

26 September, 9 pm

‘more than noise’ by the Hidalgo-Keller-Bennett Trio

The trio combines acoustic and electronic soundscapes in surprising ways. With gaita flute, live electronics, Moog synthesizer, percussion and everyday objects, they create improvisations full of intensity and magic. More information

1 October, between 7 pm and 9 pm

‘Monthly Legal Advice’ by the Association for Rights in the Arts (ARITA)

Lawyers advise artists from all disciplines in the offices of the Gessnerallee. More information

2 and 3 October, 8 pm each day

‘Epique! (for Yikakou)’ by Nadia Beugré

This musical performance takes the audience on a mysterious journey to a village engulfed by forest, accompanied by collective memories and the voices of powerful, often forgotten women. Tickets

Newspaper

‘What does memory sound like?’ (Only in German)

Journalist Giulia Bernardi met dancer Nadia Beugré for a chat. An interview about the choreographer and dancer's artistic work, her family history and the (re)construction of past events. Read the article

‘Do you have Armenian ancestors?’

In this essay, cultural scientist and cultural manager Rana Yazaji describes her work in the context of the artasfoundation. She provides insights into the complexity of the work of artists in conflict regions. Read the article

Furthermore

For those who want more Gessnerallee in their lives even after the season has started, we offer an annual pass.

There are three price categories to choose from: dream price CHF 350 / desired price CHF 250 / small price CHF 150.

Unless otherwise indicated, the annual pass includes all theatre, dance and performance shows as well as concerts and club evenings. The annual pass can be purchased at the box office or online.

We look forward to your visit.

The Gessnerallee team