A story dedicated to change.
Since 1978, Atelier Théâtre Burkinabè has made the stage a space for creativity, civic dialogue and social transformation.
From a bold vision to an institution.
It all began with Prosper Kompaoré and a group of passionate young students and friends.
Founded on 18 June 1978 as the Amateurs du Théâtre Voltaïque (ATV), the company embraced a clear mission from the outset: to contribute to the country’s development by raising awareness. It championed a new form of African theatre, open to modern approaches yet deeply rooted in local cultural values.
“Theatre in the service of development.”
A journey through time.
From the first rural tours to training programmes and international networks, every milestone strengthened the same ambition: to make theatre a force for collective action.
The birth of ATV
Prosper Kompaoré and a group of young enthusiasts founded the Amateurs du Théâtre Voltaïque, determined to place artistic creation at the service of development.
Rural theatre
The company travelled through villages in the Volta Valleys. Performances followed by discussions in national languages brought theatre closer to community realities.
Neighbourhood theatre
In the heart of urban communities, ATV addressed schooling, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism and apartheid, gradually inviting audiences to take part in the performance.
The adoption of Forum Theatre
Audience participation became a structured method: spectators stepped onto the stage to test their own solutions to the situations presented.
From ATV to ATB
The company became Atelier-Théâtre Burkinabè. The word “Atelier” affirmed its role as a permanent laboratory for research, learning and creation.
International momentum
The first gathering that would become the International Festival of Theatre for Development, followed by the “Franco-forum”, opened a new era of cooperation.
A permanent home
The inauguration of ATB’s headquarters gave the company its own space to create, train, welcome audiences and expand its activities.
Operation “Semailles”
ATB’s experience spread through the creation of independent companies led by former ATB actors and trainers.
Youth, excellence and networks
CASEO and the Forum Theatre Competition fostered artistic excellence. In 1998, ATB also helped establish the African Theatre for Development Network.
Alliance 2000 and CAPO
The Alliance 2000 venue was inaugurated. Two years later, the Ouagadougou Primary Schools Arts Competition was launched and has since become a flagship programme for passing knowledge on to younger generations.
New participatory forms
Community theatre and later Trial Theatre deepened people’s involvement in analysing challenges and seeking practical solutions.
A living legacy
ATB continues its creative work, training programmes and civic initiatives while passing almost half a century of expertise on to new generations.
Five stages of one shared quest.
Over the decades, ATB has explored increasingly participatory forms. Their common thread is interactivity: enabling audiences to understand, speak out and take action.
Rural theatre
Performances close to village communities, followed by dialogue in national languages.
Neighbourhood theatre
Direct intervention in urban communities around everyday social concerns.
Forum Theatre
The spectator becomes a “spect-actor” and tests possible solutions on stage.
Community theatre
The community tells, performs and analyses its own realities with the support of facilitators.
Trial Theatre
The audience debates as a jury, weighs the arguments and contributes to the final verdict.
From Burkina Faso to the world.
With the support of many partners, ATB trained regional theatre companies and helped spread Theatre for Development across Africa and beyond. Its experience has inspired artists, cultural organisations, researchers and communities on several continents.
Awards honouring a lasting commitment.
These awards reflect ATB’s artistic excellence and the reach of its cultural and social work.
Francophone Performing Arts Award
First prize at the Rencontres francophones du spectacle in Sancoins, France.
National Theatre Grand Prix
First prize won with the play “L’Or du diable” at the Théâtre populaire de Koudougou.
First Prize at FESTHEF
A further international distinction received at the Festival de Théâtre de la Fraternité in Benin.
LOMPOLO Awards
Best Stage Direction and Best Awareness-Raising Theatre Company in 2013, followed by Best Theatre Company in 2014.
Meet the people who keep this story alive.
The story continues with every new encounter.
Discover ATB’s current programmes, attend an event or talk to our team about your project.