BAMAKO, Mali — Within the grounds of a psychiatric ward in Mali’s capital, a small ensemble of patients participates in a lively performance, re-enacting a dispute from village life while keeping rhythm to a djembe, a traditional West African drum.
One of the participants, Mamadou Diarra, playfully admonishes another in the Bambara language, exclaiming, “You don’t know anything! Just nonsense!” But smiles spread across their faces as Diarra dances, continuing the playful banter with his fellow actor.
This exercise is part of koteba, a traditional theatrical form embraced by Mali’s primary ethnic group, the Bambara. This genre blends acting, singing, and dancing, generally performed in rural settings, serving as a means to address community issues while allowing for satire and jest.
At Point G, one of Bamako’s largest hospitals, koteba also provides emotional support and fosters a sense of belonging among individuals undergoing psychiatric treatment.
A 2022 report from the World Health Organization reveals that Mali is home to fewer than 50 mental health professionals, despite a population exceeding 20 million. Consequently, many individuals facing mental health challenges often go untreated and find themselves marginalized.
Even though the therapeutic benefits of koteba have yet to undergo formal academic scrutiny, Souleymane Coulibaly, a clinical psychologist at Point G, believes this traditional art form plays a significant role in helping patients confront their traumas. “Patients involved in koteba often experience a quicker recovery and discharge compared to those who do not engage in the theater,” he noted.
Diarra emerged as the center of attention in the courtyard, with other patients gathering to watch him. “I’ve never acted in a play or danced before, but once I began, I felt a divine inspiration,” he shared.
Adama Bagayoko, 67, who directs the visiting theater group, remarked that the weekly sessions at Point G create an exceptional environment where patients feel genuinely valued and listened to. “We converse, we dance, we share laughs,” Bagayoko expressed. “To connect physically signifies equality, and to lend an ear shows that their voices matter.”
Bagayoko’s theater troupe introduced koteba to the Point G psychiatric ward back in 1983, aiming to leverage Mali’s cultural heritage in enhancing the well-being of patients. The initial performance was so impactful that patients requested a follow-up visit the very next day.
Every Friday since, patients and actors have come together for koteba performances. The process unfolds in three stages, according to Bagayoko. Initially, the troupe draws patients to the courtyard with music. Next, they solicit ideas for that day’s theme. Finally, they sit in a circle to allow patients to share anything on their minds.
Because of the relaxed atmosphere, patients often divulge personal stories they might hesitate to share with family members or medical providers, which can provide doctors with crucial insights into the patients’ challenges, Bagayoko emphasized.
During a recent session, the performers enacted a well-known village fable: a man accused of theft vehemently denies any wrongdoing as villagers seek Diarra’s character, the village chief, for justice. “Kill him!” Diarra shouts amidst the chaos, only for the alleged thief to evade capture and escape.
The troupe addresses various themes derived from patient suggestions, tackling topics such as domestic abuse, substance abuse, and alcoholism. Point G hospital is situated just a short distance from the heart of Mali’s political scene, where a military coup in 2020 has led to escalating extremist violence and economic strife. The recent month witnessed unprecedented militant attacks in Bamako after nearly a decade of calm.
Nevertheless, while engaged in koteba, the outside world’s turmoil fades away as Diarra and his fellow patients dive deeply into their imaginative performance. “You know what my problem is? I see things exactly as they are,” Diarra said, chuckling during a brief pause in their activities.
Bagayoko playfully responded, “Well, we’ll help lighten that burden for you.”
