‘Ma Andi Mangoul - Ras El Hanout’

Salim Haouach takes to the stage with his father Ahmed to revisit a novel experiment carried out by the latter in the late 1980s: teaching Arabic to Belgian gendarmes in order to forge cultural ties between the police and minority communities in Belgium. The issue remains very topical, and is explored in an artistic form that combines documentary theatre, action theatre, humour and storytelling.
​​​​​​​Based on Salim’s father’s experience as a teacher, and on that of his son, Ma Andi Mangoul is a show that ponders the following questions: What are the relations between the police and young people with an immigrant background in Brussels? How have they evolved since the late 1980s? These reflections go back and forth between different points of view, they focus on stereotypes and prejudices, and put the audience at the centre of the debate.

Theatre company Ras El Hanout was founded ten years ago by a group of friends from Brussels who believed in the art form as a means of emancipation and dialogue. Today, a key player in cultural democratisation, the company is committed to an inclusive society and open to diversity. Under the artistic direction of Salim Haouach, Ras El Hanout has its own theatre in the heart of Molenbeek and tours every year with various original productions.