Cotonou-based storyteller and AMA grantee Koudoussou Adéchina Laourou is currently in Dondoutchi, Niger, to participate in the biennial Gatan-Gatan festival (International festival of storytelling and orality) taking place between December 2nd and 5th.
M. Laourou has been working as a professional storyteller and actor since 2012. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prize for Benin’s Best young storyteller in 2013. He has participated in a number of workshops, residencies, festivals and tours both in Benin and internationally: these include workshops on narrative techniques, improvisation and gesture (2012-2015) and his West African tour (Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire) with the show « Le tohu d’après » from the 2014 Circuit artm’attend project, among many others.
Every two years, the Gatan-Gatan Festival brings together storytellers, cultural operators, amateurs and professionals, for one week of exchanges and performances in schools, universities, public squares, cutural centres and other legendary sites. M. Laourou expects that he will acquire more experience and knowledge through his exchange with other professionals and through the creation of a network of cultural professionals.
AMA wishes M. Laourou a safe trip and a fruitful stay in Dogondoutchi!
