{"id":1479,"date":"2025-10-23T11:22:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T11:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/?page_id=1479"},"modified":"2026-09-23T18:03:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T16:03:36","slug":"our-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/our-history\/","title":{"rendered":"OUR HISTORY"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1479\" class=\"elementor elementor-1479\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e475337 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-dfc04e8 \" data-id=\"e475337\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"e475337\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"e475337\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9c4d17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"c9c4d17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- OUR HISTORY PAGE \u2014 ATB \u2014 ENGLISH VERSION V1 -->\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Archivo:wght@300;400;500;600;700;800&family=Fraunces:ital,opsz,wght@0,9..144,400..800;1,9..144,300..700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n\n<style>\n:root{\n  --ath-bordeaux:#60052D;\n  --ath-bordeaux-dark:#270012;\n  --ath-gold:#CC9933;\n  --ath-gold-light:#F1C86C;\n  --ath-cream:#FFF8EF;\n  --ath-cream-deep:#F2E5D3;\n  --ath-ink:#211923;\n  --ath-text:#625762;\n  --ath-white:#FFFFFF;\n}\n\n.ath-page,.ath-page *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.ath-page{font-family:'Archivo',Arial,sans-serif;color:var(--ath-ink);background:var(--ath-cream);overflow:hidden}\n.ath-page a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}\n.ath-page img{display:block;width:100%;max-width:100%}\n.ath-wrap{width:min(1200px,calc(100% - 44px));margin-inline:auto}\n.ath-section{padding:clamp(76px,9vw,132px) 0}\n.ath-kicker{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:9px 16px;border-radius:999px;background:rgba(204,153,51,.14);color:var(--ath-gold);font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.ath-kicker::before{content:\"\";width:19px;height:2px;background:currentColor}\n.ath-heading{max-width:820px;margin:22px 0 20px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(36px,5.2vw,68px);font-weight:650;line-height:1.04;letter-spacing:-.025em;color:var(--ath-bordeaux)}\n.ath-heading em{color:var(--ath-gold);font-weight:500}\n.ath-copy{font-size:clamp(15px,1.4vw,17px);line-height:1.86;color:var(--ath-text)}\n.ath-btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:10px;min-height:52px;padding:15px 25px;border:1px solid transparent;border-radius:999px;font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;transition:transform .3s ease,background .3s ease,box-shadow .3s ease}\n.ath-btn:hover{transform:translateY(-3px)}\n.ath-btn-primary{background:var(--ath-gold);color:var(--ath-white)!important;box-shadow:0 14px 30px rgba(204,153,51,.28)}\n.ath-btn-outline{border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.42);color:var(--ath-white)!important;background:rgba(255,255,255,.07)}\n\n\/* HERO *\/\n.ath-hero{position:relative;min-height:clamp(610px,82vh,840px);display:flex;align-items:flex-end;background:var(--ath-bordeaux-dark);isolation:isolate}\n.ath-hero-media{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:-3}\n.ath-hero-media img{height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:center 44%;animation:athZoom 16s ease-out both}\n.ath-hero::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:-2;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(26,0,11,.94) 0%,rgba(26,0,11,.71) 48%,rgba(26,0,11,.22) 100%),linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(26,0,11,.93),transparent 55%)}\n.ath-hero::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:auto -90px -180px auto;width:470px;height:470px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--ath-gold);filter:blur(120px);opacity:.16;z-index:-1}\n@keyframes athZoom{from{transform:scale(1.075)}to{transform:scale(1)}}\n.ath-hero-inner{padding-bottom:clamp(60px,8vw,105px);color:var(--ath-white)}\n.ath-breadcrumb{margin-bottom:25px;color:var(--ath-gold-light);font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.ath-breadcrumb a{opacity:.82}.ath-breadcrumb a:hover{opacity:1}\n.ath-hero h1{max-width:940px;margin:0;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(52px,9vw,112px);font-weight:650;line-height:.91;letter-spacing:-.045em;color:#fff;text-wrap:balance;text-shadow:0 14px 42px rgba(0,0,0,.35)}\n.ath-hero h1 em{color:var(--ath-gold-light);font-weight:450}\n.ath-hero-lead{max-width:690px;margin:28px 0 0;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(19px,2.2vw,28px);font-style:italic;line-height:1.46;color:rgba(255,255,255,.88)}\n.ath-hero-year{position:absolute;right:clamp(22px,6vw,80px);bottom:clamp(54px,8vw,96px);font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(64px,12vw,170px);font-weight:700;line-height:.75;color:transparent;-webkit-text-stroke:1px rgba(255,255,255,.26);opacity:.85;z-index:-1}\n\n\/* ORIGINES *\/\n.ath-origins{background:var(--ath-cream)}\n.ath-origins-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,.9fr) minmax(0,1.1fr);gap:clamp(48px,7vw,92px);align-items:center}\n.ath-photo-stack{position:relative;padding:0 38px 42px 0}\n.ath-photo-main{aspect-ratio:4\/5;object-fit:cover;border-radius:26px;box-shadow:0 30px 70px rgba(48,24,34,.17)}\n.ath-photo-small{position:absolute;right:0;bottom:0;width:46%;aspect-ratio:1\/1.08;object-fit:cover;border:8px solid var(--ath-cream);border-radius:22px;box-shadow:0 18px 40px rgba(48,24,34,.2)}\n.ath-date-card{position:absolute;left:-18px;bottom:62px;padding:18px 23px;border-radius:16px;background:var(--ath-bordeaux);color:#fff;box-shadow:0 16px 35px rgba(96,5,45,.27)}\n.ath-date-card strong{display:block;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:34px;line-height:1;color:var(--ath-gold-light)}\n.ath-date-card span{display:block;margin-top:5px;font-size:10px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.ath-intro{margin-bottom:22px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(24px,3vw,36px);line-height:1.3;color:var(--ath-ink)}\n.ath-intro strong{color:var(--ath-bordeaux)}\n.ath-quote{position:relative;margin:28px 0 0;padding:3px 0 3px 26px;border-left:4px solid var(--ath-gold);font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(21px,2.4vw,29px);font-style:italic;line-height:1.42;color:var(--ath-bordeaux)}\n\n\/* CHRONOLOGIE *\/\n.ath-timeline-section{position:relative;background:var(--ath-bordeaux);color:#fff}\n.ath-timeline-section::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;opacity:.05;background-image:radial-gradient(circle at 1px 1px,#fff 1px,transparent 0);background-size:28px 28px}\n.ath-timeline-head{position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr .8fr;gap:44px;align-items:end;margin-bottom:70px}\n.ath-timeline-section .ath-heading{color:#fff;margin-bottom:0}\n.ath-timeline-head .ath-copy{color:rgba(255,255,255,.76)}\n.ath-timeline{position:relative;max-width:1000px;margin-inline:auto}\n.ath-timeline::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:50%;width:1px;background:linear-gradient(transparent,var(--ath-gold) 8%,var(--ath-gold) 92%,transparent);transform:translateX(-50%)}\n.ath-event{position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:80px;margin-bottom:35px}\n.ath-event:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.ath-event:nth-child(even) .ath-event-card{grid-column:2}\n.ath-event-card{position:relative;padding:28px 30px;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);border-radius:20px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.075);box-shadow:0 18px 45px rgba(25,0,11,.18);backdrop-filter:blur(7px)}\n.ath-event-card::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:35px;right:-47px;width:13px;height:13px;border:3px solid var(--ath-bordeaux);border-radius:50%;background:var(--ath-gold);box-shadow:0 0 0 5px rgba(204,153,51,.2)}\n.ath-event:nth-child(even) .ath-event-card::after{right:auto;left:-46px}\n.ath-year{display:block;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(30px,3.5vw,46px);font-weight:650;line-height:1;color:var(--ath-gold-light)}\n.ath-event h3{margin:0 0 10px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;color:#fff}\n.ath-event p{margin:0;color:rgba(255,255,255,.74);font-size:14px;line-height:1.75}\n\n\/* RECHERCHE ET M\u00c9THODES *\/\n.ath-methods{background:var(--ath-cream-deep)}\n.ath-methods-head{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr .9fr;gap:55px;align-items:end;margin-bottom:55px}\n.ath-methods-head .ath-copy{padding-bottom:8px}\n.ath-method-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:18px}\n.ath-method-card{position:relative;min-height:295px;padding:30px 24px;border-radius:22px;background:#fff;box-shadow:0 16px 38px rgba(39,0,18,.07);overflow:hidden;transition:transform .35s ease,box-shadow .35s ease}\n.ath-method-card:hover{transform:translateY(-7px);box-shadow:0 25px 50px rgba(39,0,18,.12)}\n.ath-method-n{font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:48px;font-weight:650;line-height:1;color:rgba(204,153,51,.32)}\n.ath-method-card h3{margin:42px 0 12px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;line-height:1.15;color:var(--ath-bordeaux)}\n.ath-method-card p{margin:0;font-size:13px;line-height:1.7;color:var(--ath-text)}\n.ath-method-card::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;right:-42px;bottom:-42px;width:100px;height:100px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(204,153,51,.12)}\n\n\/* H\u00c9RITAGE *\/\n.ath-legacy{background:#fff}\n.ath-legacy-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.92fr 1.08fr;gap:clamp(50px,7vw,88px);align-items:center}\n.ath-legacy-image{position:relative;min-height:590px;border-radius:28px;overflow:hidden;isolation:isolate}\n.ath-legacy-image img{position:absolute;inset:0;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n.ath-legacy-image::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(37,0,16,.83),transparent 60%);z-index:1}\n.ath-legacy-caption{position:absolute;z-index:2;left:34px;right:34px;bottom:34px;color:#fff}\n.ath-legacy-caption strong{display:block;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(25px,3vw,38px);line-height:1.16}\n.ath-legacy-caption span{display:block;margin-top:10px;color:var(--ath-gold-light);font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.ath-stats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:18px;margin-top:35px}\n.ath-stat{padding:24px;border:1px solid rgba(96,5,45,.11);border-radius:18px;background:var(--ath-cream)}\n.ath-stat strong{display:block;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(28px,3vw,42px);line-height:1;color:var(--ath-bordeaux)}\n.ath-stat span{display:block;margin-top:9px;color:var(--ath-text);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.45;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.07em}\n\n\/* DISTINCTIONS *\/\n.ath-awards{background:var(--ath-bordeaux-dark);color:#fff}\n.ath-awards .ath-heading{color:#fff}\n.ath-awards-intro{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr .8fr;gap:50px;align-items:end;margin-bottom:52px}\n.ath-awards-intro .ath-copy{color:rgba(255,255,255,.7)}\n.ath-awards-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px}\n.ath-award{padding:28px 25px;border-top:3px solid var(--ath-gold);border-radius:0 0 18px 18px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.06)}\n.ath-award time{font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:34px;color:var(--ath-gold-light)}\n.ath-award h3{margin:16px 0 9px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:20px;line-height:1.25;color:#fff}\n.ath-award p{margin:0;color:rgba(255,255,255,.67);font-size:13px;line-height:1.65}\n\n\/* NAVIGATION *\/\n.ath-explore{background:var(--ath-cream)}\n.ath-explore-head{text-align:center;max-width:750px;margin:0 auto 50px}\n.ath-explore-head .ath-heading{margin-inline:auto}\n.ath-cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:24px}\n.ath-card{position:relative;min-height:355px;display:flex;align-items:flex-end;border-radius:24px;overflow:hidden;isolation:isolate;box-shadow:0 20px 45px rgba(39,0,18,.12)}\n.ath-card img{position:absolute;inset:0;height:100%;object-fit:cover;z-index:-2;transition:transform .7s ease}\n.ath-card::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:-1;background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(31,0,13,.94),rgba(31,0,13,.08) 72%)}\n.ath-card:hover img{transform:scale(1.065)}\n.ath-card-content{padding:29px;color:#fff}\n.ath-card h3{margin:0 0 10px;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:27px;color:#fff}\n.ath-card span{color:var(--ath-gold-light);font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase}\n\n\/* CTA *\/\n.ath-cta{position:relative;padding:clamp(76px,9vw,120px) 0;background:var(--ath-bordeaux);color:#fff;overflow:hidden}\n.ath-cta::before,.ath-cta::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;border-radius:50%;filter:blur(90px);opacity:.2}\n.ath-cta::before{width:340px;height:340px;left:-120px;top:-170px;background:var(--ath-gold)}\n.ath-cta::after{width:320px;height:320px;right:-90px;bottom:-180px;background:#fff}\n.ath-cta-inner{position:relative;z-index:1;max-width:850px;text-align:center}\n.ath-cta h2{margin:0;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(36px,5.4vw,68px);line-height:1.05;color:#fff}\n.ath-cta p{max-width:650px;margin:22px auto 32px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);font-size:16px;line-height:1.8}\n.ath-cta-actions{display:flex;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:13px}\n\n\/* ANIMATIONS *\/\n.ath-reveal{opacity:0;transform:translateY(30px);transition:opacity .75s ease,transform .75s ease}\n.ath-reveal.ath-visible{opacity:1;transform:none}\n.ath-delay-1{transition-delay:.09s}.ath-delay-2{transition-delay:.18s}.ath-delay-3{transition-delay:.27s}\n\n@media(max-width:1050px){\n  .ath-method-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}\n  .ath-awards-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}\n  .ath-hero-year{display:none}\n}\n@media(max-width:820px){\n  .ath-wrap{width:min(100% - 34px,680px)}\n  .ath-origins-grid,.ath-timeline-head,.ath-methods-head,.ath-legacy-grid,.ath-awards-intro{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .ath-photo-stack{max-width:580px;margin-inline:auto}\n  .ath-timeline-head,.ath-methods-head,.ath-awards-intro{gap:18px}\n  .ath-timeline::before{left:7px}\n  .ath-event{display:block;margin-left:34px}\n  .ath-event:nth-child(even) .ath-event-card{grid-column:auto}\n  .ath-event-card::after,.ath-event:nth-child(even) .ath-event-card::after{left:-33px;right:auto;top:35px}\n  .ath-method-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}\n  .ath-cards{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .ath-card{min-height:320px}\n  .ath-legacy-image{min-height:510px}\n}\n@media(max-width:540px){\n  .ath-wrap{width:calc(100% - 30px)}\n  .ath-hero{min-height:640px}\n  .ath-hero::before{background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(26,0,11,.96) 0%,rgba(26,0,11,.52) 72%,rgba(26,0,11,.35) 100%)}\n  .ath-photo-stack{padding:0 20px 32px 0}\n  .ath-photo-small{border-width:5px}\n  .ath-date-card{left:8px;bottom:42px;padding:14px 18px}\n  .ath-method-grid,.ath-awards-grid,.ath-stats{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .ath-method-card{min-height:auto}\n  .ath-method-card h3{margin-top:25px}\n  .ath-legacy-image{min-height:440px}\n  .ath-legacy-caption{left:24px;right:24px;bottom:24px}\n  .ath-btn{width:100%}\n}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .ath-page *{animation:none!important;transition:none!important;scroll-behavior:auto!important}\n  .ath-reveal{opacity:1;transform:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<main class=\"ath-page\" lang=\"en\">\n  <!-- HERO -->\n  <section class=\"ath-hero\" aria-labelledby=\"ath-page-title\">\n    <div class=\"ath-hero-media\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/THEATRE-ALLIANCE-2000-DE-ATB.jpg\" alt=\"Alliance 2000 Theatre at Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap ath-hero-inner\">\n      <nav class=\"ath-breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/home\/\">Home<\/a> &nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/about-atb\/\">ATB<\/a> &nbsp;\u2014&nbsp; Our History\n      <\/nav>\n      <h1 id=\"ath-page-title\">A story dedicated to <em>change.<\/em><\/h1>\n      <p class=\"ath-hero-lead\">Since 1978, Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8 has made the stage a space for creativity, civic dialogue and social transformation.<\/p>\n      <span class=\"ath-hero-year\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1978<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- ORIGINS -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-origins\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap ath-origins-grid\">\n      <div class=\"ath-photo-stack ath-reveal\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ath-photo-main\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/625469052_10235461781378431_396943715468357644_n.jpg\" alt=\"Archive image of Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ath-photo-small\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/MUR-ATB.jpg\" alt=\"Historic wall at the ATB cultural centre\">\n        <div class=\"ath-date-card\"><strong>18 June<\/strong><span>Founded in 1978<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ath-reveal ath-delay-1\">\n        <span class=\"ath-kicker\">The beginnings<\/span>\n        <h2 class=\"ath-heading\">From a bold vision to an <em>institution.<\/em><\/h2>\n        <p class=\"ath-intro\">It all began with <strong>Prosper Kompaor\u00e9<\/strong> and a group of passionate young students and friends.<\/p>\n        <p class=\"ath-copy\">Founded on 18 June 1978 as the Amateurs du Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Volta\u00efque (ATV), the company embraced a clear mission from the outset: to contribute to the country\u2019s development by raising awareness. It championed a new form of African theatre, open to modern approaches yet deeply rooted in local cultural values.<\/p>\n        <blockquote class=\"ath-quote\">\u201cTheatre in the service of development.\u201d<\/blockquote>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- TIMELINE -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-timeline-section\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ath-timeline-head ath-reveal\">\n        <div>\n          <span class=\"ath-kicker\">Historical milestones<\/span>\n          <h2 class=\"ath-heading\">A journey through <em>time.<\/em><\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"ath-copy\">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.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ath-timeline\">\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1978<\/time><h3>The birth of ATV<\/h3><p>Prosper Kompaor\u00e9 and a group of young enthusiasts founded the Amateurs du Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Volta\u00efque, determined to place artistic creation at the service of development.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1979\u20131981<\/time><h3>Rural theatre<\/h3><p>The company travelled through villages in the Volta Valleys. Performances followed by discussions in national languages brought theatre closer to community realities.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1981\u20131983<\/time><h3>Neighbourhood theatre<\/h3><p>In the heart of urban communities, ATV addressed schooling, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism and apartheid, gradually inviting audiences to take part in the performance.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1983<\/time><h3>The adoption of Forum Theatre<\/h3><p>Audience participation became a structured method: spectators stepped onto the stage to test their own solutions to the situations presented.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1985<\/time><h3>From ATV to ATB<\/h3><p>The company became Atelier-Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8. The word \u201cAtelier\u201d affirmed its role as a permanent laboratory for research, learning and creation.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1988\u20131989<\/time><h3>International momentum<\/h3><p>The first gathering that would become the International Festival of Theatre for Development, followed by the \u201cFranco-forum\u201d, opened a new era of cooperation.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1991<\/time><h3>A permanent home<\/h3><p>The inauguration of ATB\u2019s headquarters gave the company its own space to create, train, welcome audiences and expand its activities.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1994<\/time><h3>Operation \u201cSemailles\u201d<\/h3><p>ATB\u2019s experience spread through the creation of independent companies led by former ATB actors and trainers.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">1997\u20131998<\/time><h3>Youth, excellence and networks<\/h3><p>CASEO and the Forum Theatre Competition fostered artistic excellence. In 1998, ATB also helped establish the African Theatre for Development Network.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">2000\u20132002<\/time><h3>Alliance 2000 and CAPO<\/h3><p>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.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">2005\u20132007<\/time><h3>New participatory forms<\/h3><p>Community theatre and later Trial Theatre deepened people\u2019s involvement in analysing challenges and seeking practical solutions.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-event ath-reveal\"><div class=\"ath-event-card\"><time class=\"ath-year\">Today<\/time><h3>A living legacy<\/h3><p>ATB continues its creative work, training programmes and civic initiatives while passing almost half a century of expertise on to new generations.<\/p><\/div><\/article>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- EVOLUTION OF METHODS -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-methods\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ath-methods-head\">\n        <div class=\"ath-reveal\">\n          <span class=\"ath-kicker\">Research & innovation<\/span>\n          <h2 class=\"ath-heading\">Five stages of one shared <em>quest.<\/em><\/h2>\n        <\/div>\n        <p class=\"ath-copy ath-reveal ath-delay-1\">Over the decades, ATB has explored increasingly participatory forms. Their common thread is interactivity: enabling audiences to understand, speak out and take action.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ath-method-grid\">\n        <article class=\"ath-method-card ath-reveal\"><span class=\"ath-method-n\">01<\/span><h3>Rural theatre<\/h3><p>Performances close to village communities, followed by dialogue in national languages.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-method-card ath-reveal ath-delay-1\"><span class=\"ath-method-n\">02<\/span><h3>Neighbourhood theatre<\/h3><p>Direct intervention in urban communities around everyday social concerns.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-method-card ath-reveal ath-delay-2\"><span class=\"ath-method-n\">03<\/span><h3>Forum Theatre<\/h3><p>The spectator becomes a \u201cspect-actor\u201d and tests possible solutions on stage.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-method-card ath-reveal ath-delay-3\"><span class=\"ath-method-n\">04<\/span><h3>Community theatre<\/h3><p>The community tells, performs and analyses its own realities with the support of facilitators.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-method-card ath-reveal\"><span class=\"ath-method-n\">05<\/span><h3>Trial Theatre<\/h3><p>The audience debates as a jury, weighs the arguments and contributes to the final verdict.<\/p><\/article>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- LEGACY -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-legacy\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap ath-legacy-grid\">\n      <div class=\"ath-legacy-image ath-reveal\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/EQUIPE-ATB.jpg\" alt=\"Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8 team\">\n        <div class=\"ath-legacy-caption\"><strong>A collective endeavour carried forward from one generation to the next.<\/strong><span>ATB\u2019s human legacy<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ath-reveal ath-delay-1\">\n        <span class=\"ath-kicker\">Reach<\/span>\n        <h2 class=\"ath-heading\">From Burkina Faso to the <em>world.<\/em><\/h2>\n        <p class=\"ath-copy\">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.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"ath-stats\">\n          <div class=\"ath-stat\"><strong>300+<\/strong><span>Actors have contributed to this shared endeavour<\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"ath-stat\"><strong>14<\/strong><span>FITD editions organised from 1988 to 2014<\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"ath-stat\"><strong>5<\/strong><span>Major forms of participatory theatre explored<\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"ath-stat\"><strong>4<\/strong><span>Continents reached through exchanges and training<\/span><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- AWARDS -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-awards\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ath-awards-intro\">\n        <div class=\"ath-reveal\"><span class=\"ath-kicker\">Recognition<\/span><h2 class=\"ath-heading\">Awards honouring a lasting <em>commitment.<\/em><\/h2><\/div>\n        <p class=\"ath-copy ath-reveal ath-delay-1\">These awards reflect ATB\u2019s artistic excellence and the reach of its cultural and social work.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ath-awards-grid\">\n        <article class=\"ath-award ath-reveal\"><time>1992<\/time><h3>Francophone Performing Arts Award<\/h3><p>First prize at the Rencontres francophones du spectacle in Sancoins, France.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-award ath-reveal ath-delay-1\"><time>1998<\/time><h3>National Theatre Grand Prix<\/h3><p>First prize won with the play \u201cL\u2019Or du diable\u201d at the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre populaire de Koudougou.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-award ath-reveal ath-delay-2\"><time>2001<\/time><h3>First Prize at FESTHEF<\/h3><p>A further international distinction received at the Festival de Th\u00e9\u00e2tre de la Fraternit\u00e9 in Benin.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ath-award ath-reveal ath-delay-3\"><time>2013\u20132014<\/time><h3>LOMPOLO Awards<\/h3><p>Best Stage Direction and Best Awareness-Raising Theatre Company in 2013, followed by Best Theatre Company in 2014.<\/p><\/article>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- RELATED PAGES -->\n  <section class=\"ath-section ath-explore\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ath-explore-head ath-reveal\">\n        <span class=\"ath-kicker\">Continue exploring<\/span>\n        <h2 class=\"ath-heading\">Meet the people who keep this <em>story alive.<\/em><\/h2>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ath-cards\">\n        <a class=\"ath-card ath-reveal\" href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/founder\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prosper-komp-atb.jpg\" alt=\"Professor Prosper Kompaor\u00e9, founder of ATB\">\n          <div class=\"ath-card-content\"><h3>The Founder<\/h3><span>Discover his journey \u2192<\/span><\/div>\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"ath-card ath-reveal ath-delay-1\" href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/our-team\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/EQUIPE-ATB.jpg\" alt=\"The Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8 team\">\n          <div class=\"ath-card-content\"><h3>Our Team<\/h3><span>Meet the team \u2192<\/span><\/div>\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"ath-card ath-reveal ath-delay-2\" href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/our-partners\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Facade-ATB.jpg\" alt=\"Facade of the ATB cultural centre in Ouagadougou\">\n          <div class=\"ath-card-content\"><h3>Our Partners<\/h3><span>View our partners \u2192<\/span><\/div>\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- CTA -->\n  <section class=\"ath-cta\">\n    <div class=\"ath-wrap ath-cta-inner ath-reveal\">\n      <h2>The story continues with every new encounter.<\/h2>\n      <p>Discover ATB\u2019s current programmes, attend an event or talk to our team about your project.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"ath-cta-actions\">\n        <a class=\"ath-btn ath-btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/programs\/\">View our programmes \u2192<\/a>\n        <a class=\"ath-btn ath-btn-outline\" href=\"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/en\/contact-2\/\">Contact us<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n<\/main>\n\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var items=document.querySelectorAll('.ath-page .ath-reveal');\n  if(!items.length)return;\n  if(!('IntersectionObserver' in window)){\n    items.forEach(function(item){item.classList.add('ath-visible');});\n    return;\n  }\n  var observer=new IntersectionObserver(function(entries){\n    entries.forEach(function(entry){\n      if(entry.isIntersecting){\n        entry.target.classList.add('ath-visible');\n        observer.unobserve(entry.target);\n      }\n    });\n  },{threshold:.12,rootMargin:'0px 0px -7% 0px'});\n  items.forEach(function(item){observer.observe(item);});\n})();\n<\/script>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n    <div class=\"xs_social_share_widget xs_share_url after_content \t\tmain_content  wslu-style-1 wslu-share-box-shaped wslu-fill-colored wslu-none wslu-share-horizontal wslu-theme-font-no wslu-main_content\">\n\n\t\t\n        <ul>\n\t\t\t        <\/ul>\n    <\/div> \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home &nbsp;\u2014&nbsp; ATB &nbsp;\u2014&nbsp; Our History A story dedicated to change. Since 1978, Atelier Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Burkinab\u00e8 has made the stage a space for creativity, civic dialogue and social transformation. 1978 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":""},"wf_page_folders":[],"class_list":["post-1479","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"ticketed":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1479"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1479\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2387,"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1479\/revisions\/2387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atb.bf\/atb-v2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_page_folders?post=1479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}