Three questions for Duniému Bourobou from La Machinerie in Vénissieux

Could you tell us a bit about your background and key moments that shaped your career until your arrival at the helm of La Machinerie?

"While my main role has always been to support artists in drama and dance, my time at La Comédie de SaintÉtienne, working at its actor training school, had a particularly big impact. With a focus on equal opportunities, this place encouraged me to question the way we tell stories. La Machinerie, in Vénissieux, is located in an area with a strong working-class identity and a close relationship with immigration. This resonates deeply with my personal background. It was this connection that made me want to apply.

Your project for this cultural space is entitled ‘Porter sa voix’. Could you tell us more?

© © Susie Waroude

The aim of ‘Porter sa voix’ [lit. ‘carry your voice’] is to bring out the stories of areas that have fallen into oblivion by creating projects that provide a space for expression. Through artists’ residencies, we want to turn local inhabitants’ cultural practices into works. The link between artists and the local area feeds creativity. We’re also going to open up the programme to include fresh offerings like slam, stand-up and musical forms of literature, to diversify access to culture and the art scene..

Is it still challenging to be at the head of a cultural organisation as a woman today? 

Yes, because we get fewer opportunities to speak and we have to work extra hard. Things are changing, but we need to be careful not to let things slip. I try to promote women artists, and racialised artists in particular, in line with the inclusive approach adopted at La Machinerie. Three of our residents are women". 

Interview by Fanny Pincanon