Ouidah and the Memories of Slavery: An Encounter with Fabienne Kanor

Ouidah and the Memories of Slavery: An Encounter with Fabienne Kanor

In February 2020, Ouidah, a city steeped in history in Benin, was the stage for a major scientific event: the symposium "The Memories of Slavery in Literature, Arts, and Museums." Organized by the University of Abomey-Calavi and the University of Le Mans, this symposium brought together researchers, artists, and writers to explore the various ways in which the memories of slavery are preserved and transmitted. Among the participants, Fabienne Kanor, an influential voice in Francophone literature, captivated the audience with her performance entitled Words of a Returning Woman.

The Performance Words of a Returning Woman

Fabienne Kanor, renowned for her literary and artistic commitment, presented a unique performance as part of this symposium. Words of a Returning Woman is a work that questions our relationship with the past, particularly concerning the painful memories of slavery. Kanor's performance does not merely recall the horror of slavery but seeks to establish a dialogue between generations, those who suffered, and those who must remember.

This performance draws on personal narratives and historical archives, combining the power of oral storytelling with the intensity of physical expression. Through her immersive approach, Kanor invites her audience to feel, understand, and reflect on the traces left by the history of slavery in our contemporary societies.

The Role of Ouidah in the Memory of Slavery

Ouidah, once a major center of the slave trade, is today an essential site of memory. The city is a powerful symbol of the colonial past and the sufferings endured by millions of people. It is in this historically charged context that the symposium took place, offering a poignant setting to discuss the memories of slavery.

The importance of Ouidah lies not only in its past but also in its current role as a site of commemoration and reflection. The exchanges that took place during the symposium, notably through interventions like that of Fabienne Kanor, enriched the participants' understanding of contemporary issues related to this historical memory.

The Impact of the Memories of Slavery in Literature and the Arts

The memories of slavery continue to influence literature and the arts, offering creators a complex tapestry of narratives to explore and interpret. Kanor, through her works, embodies this exploration. She uses literature as a means of resistance and resilience, a tool to fight against oblivion and to keep alive the memory of the ancestors.

Her work, like that of many other artists present at the symposium, highlights the necessity of ongoing dialogue about slavery and its enduring repercussions. By revisiting these memories through various artistic forms, creators contribute to a better understanding of past and present struggles.

In conclusion, the interview with Fabienne Kanor in Ouidah provided valuable insight into the importance of the memory of slavery in the construction of our collective identity. Through initiatives like this symposium, the city of Ouidah continues to play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting this memory, while inspiring new generations to reflect and act for a more enlightened future.

Academic Reference & Citation

If you wish to cite this research work in an academic context, please use the following reference:

Lucile Combreau, Rocio Munguia Aguilar, Marjolaine Unter Ecker. "CROSSING TOGETHER," EXCHANGE WITH FABIENNE KANOR ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE WORDS OF A RETURNING WOMAN (OUIDAH, FEBRUARY 2020). Women in French Studies, 2022, 30. ⟨hal-03965306⟩

Summary and adaptation proposed by Ouidah Origins.

Related Pillars & Further Reading

Explore on Ouidah Origins: The Slave Route · The Door of No Return

External sources:

• UNESCO Slave Route Project
• HAL Archive