11 AND 12

“11 and 12 develops the material that Peter Brook began to explore in Tierno Bokar (…). The work raises timeless questions about the subversiveness of faith, the meaning of existence and the conflict of free will and destiny (...).At the heart of the play, though, lies a clash of values between Islamic Africa and an alien civilization, and a plea for mutual tolerance and understanding that makes this very much a play for our times”. Michael Billington, The Guardian     How can a theological discussion around the hidden meaning of two numbers lead inexorably to a massacre?The story of 11 and 12 catches the breath of everyone who hears it. Especially as it is true(…).   Amadou Hampaté Bâ, the great African writer, tells how his teacher in a small town in Mali, Tierno Bokar, is caught up in an epic struggle against hatred and violence within his own family, his clan, and his people fomented by the colonial powers dominating his country.   This adaptation brings to the stage a unique narrative in which religion, politics, understanding and prejudice constantly intervene. It is tragic and mercilessly comic, full of sharp insights into the struggles of the past which resonate ever more strongly today.   Peter Brook   Peter Brook (London, 1925), one of the most important figures of contemporary European theatre, first presented a play based on the work of Amadou Hampaté Bâ entitled Tierno Bokar in 2004. 11 and 12 was premiered on November 24, 2009 at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris. It is a production of the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris; barbicanbite10, London; and the Grotowski Institute, Wroclaw, presented in association with William Wilkinson for Millbrook Productions Limited.