Slimane Benaïssa. An Algerian memory between two shores

Born in Algeria in 1943, Slimane Benaïssa is today considered one of the most important playwrights on the Maghreb and Arab theater scene. His exceptionally rich career testifies to an artistic creativity and an intellectual, humanist and civic commitment that have taken different forms in keeping with the socio-historical and cultural evolution of his country. From the defense of a national identity freed from the ideological dross of a certain narrow nationalism, to the celebration of an Algerian language (darja) that is both modern and heir to the great masters of traditional poetry, from the denunciation of a political system incapable of realizing the ideals of the November 1, 1954 revolution, the themes of his theatrical and novelistic works never cease to interrogate the socio-anthropological depths and often paradoxical imaginaries of his society. What's more, his uninterrupted and particularly fruitful dialogue with French cultural and artistic circles means that Slimane Benaïssa can truly be seen as a "ferryman of memory" between the two shores. A shared memory, for better or for worse, but one that should not be left to "specialists" and other patent manipulators. But isn't this the essential role of artists and creators?

Starting in the late 1960s, Slimane Benaïssa's theatrical output soon met with undeniable popular success across Algeria. With hits such as Boualem zid el-goudam (1974), Babour Ghraq (1983) and Rak khouya wana Echkoun (1991), he gave a masterful account of the socio-political drifts and ideological contradictions facing the population. From 1993 onwards, his forced departure for France gave him the opportunity to reveal the full extent of his talents to a new audience: playwright, actor (for theater as well as cinema and television), director, theorist and essayist. Among his most notable theatrical productions are Les Fils de l'amertume and Prophètes sans Dieu, which have been revived on numerous French stages. As for his novel production, let's mention Le Silence de la falaise (2001) or Les Colères du silence (2005). Finally, on another note, it's important to point out that his long experience in managing cultural institutions (and theatrical institutions in particular) earned him the appointment

Commissioner of the Bejaia International Theater Festival in 2018. Recipient of the doctorate Honoris Causa from L'Inalco in 2005, Slimane Benaïssa is honored to return to us and take part in a tribute meeting during which he will be able to present the latest advances in his work, as well as exchange views with a panel of specialists and the public.

Program

5:30pm - 5:45pm - Presentation
Alexandrine Barontini (Deputy Director of Lacnad), Mourad Yelles (Professor Emeritus, member of Lacnad), Slimane Benaïssa (author, director, actor)

17h45 - 18h05 - Slimane Benaïssa at Inalco or the return of the guwwâl
Dominique Caubet (Professor emeritus, Lacnad member)

18h05 - 18h25 - Slimane Benaïssa: l'alchimie du verbe
Mourad Yelles (Professor emeritus, member of Lacnad)

18:30 - 19:30 - Slimane Benaïssa and the Algerian theater scene
Round-table discussion in the presence of Slimane Benaïssa, moderated by Mourad Yelles (Professor Emeritus), with Alexandrine Barontini (Associate Professor), Dominique Caubet (Professor Emeritus).

7:30pm - 8:00pm - Debate

8:00pm - Cocktail

Slimane Benaïssa will sign his latest publications at the end of the rencontre-hommage.