Koulounisation

How do we define “colonisation” and its impact on the world? What does it mean to speak of the “Algerian War”? 

In 2018, while visiting a bookstore in Algiers, Franco-Algerian artist Salim Djaferi discovered that the books on the Algerian War were categorised not under “war” but in the “Revolution” section. This simple difference in terminology sparked a journey to understand how language shapes historical narratives and our understanding of identity.  In Koulounisation, Djaferi explores the complexities of colonialism through the lens of language.

Through a blend of storytelling, theatre, and visual art, Koulounisation brings the weight of words to life. Djaferi uses insightful reflections, symbols, and scenography to create a space where language transcends the verbal and becomes a metaphor for understanding colonialism, identity, and memory.

This powerful documentary theatre performance invites audiences to question the words they use and explore the profound, unspoken histories they carry.