The Fientan company from the Association Art au-delà du handicap (ADH), made up of young deaf and mute dancers, presented their show « Adepte de mon être » at MASA. Stunning.

By Zouleyka Cherif

In Salle Kodjo Ebouclé, bathed in a yellowish glow, young disabled men and women, all deaf and mute, transported the audience into their universe with a breathtaking show. Beneath the luminous panels a provocative question is illuminated. « Whose fault is it? » They sketched out a poignant dance, a perfect synthesis of their tumultuous histories in a world that often misunderstands them.

On the heads of all the dancers, cards display images depicting different facial expressions: sadness, pain, fear and dismay. The Djembe resonates and is heard throughout the room. The dancers, though deaf, take surprisingly vigorous dance steps, all in tune with the music. What magic!

In fact, it was thanks to the innovative « vibracing » system devised by their choreographer Yaya Sanon that they were synchronized as one. This system, which combines sign language, musicality, listening, touch, gaze and relationship to the floor, enabled them to dance to the rhythm of their own inner tempo. Despite their disabilities, they captivated the audience and lit up the packed hall.

Yaya Sanon, the company’s visionary artistic director, shares his burning desire to shine a light on the artistic talent of these young people. « Compagnie Fientan is much more than just a group of young disabled people. They are determined to prove that they have their place in the art world, » he asserts with conviction. In fact, this exceptional piece won a gold medal at the Jeux de la Francophonie in Kinshasa, a well-deserved recognition of their artistic genius.

« Adepte de mon être » is much more than just a show. It’s an emotional journey through the lives of these young people, a vibrant plea for their recognition in a society that all too often marginalizes them. They aspire to fully integrate the art world, and to inspire other disabled people to believe in their wildest dreams.

Over the course of the 50-minute show, emotions flow like crashing waves, reflecting the struggles and victories of these young people in a stormy sea. Anger, sadness and rejection mingle in a symphony of graceful movements, forcefully denouncing the injustices suffered. The stage, enchanted by their charismatic presence, becomes the vibrant theater of a silent revolution.

The universal message of this dance resonates as a vibrant call for compassion and inclusion. It’s time for society to give these people their rightful place in all spheres of life. The packed house gave the artists a resounding triumph that moved the artistic director to tears. « It’s an extraordinary opportunity to take part in this event. We’ve been fighting for so long to have our voices heard, and finally the world is listening.«