Histoire(s) de Tchatcho, de Tchokotage et de Xessal

Why do some women choose to lighten their skin? What are they trying to transform, erase, or become?

Based on encounters with women in Seine-Saint-Denis, Olivia Mabounga gathers intimate accounts around voluntary skin depigmentation, a practice known as tchatcho, tchokotage, or xessal, whether in the Congo, Ivory Coast, or Senegal.

Behind this gesture lie singular stories, desires for beauty, contradictions, family heritages, and injunctions that have become rules to follow in order to be desirable, valued, and recognized.

Throughout her investigation, Olivia Mabounga also met with touts, sellers, and pharmacists. Their voices mingle with those of the women, giving voice to the speeches, advice, and promises that shape our imaginations and contribute to building an ideal of beauty.

Between testimonies, life stories, and collective memory, Histoire(s) de Tchatcho, de Tchokotage et de Xessal questions what our bodies tell about our history.

Accompanied by live music from Valentin Durup, Olivia Mabounga makes these words resonate in a musical reading where the intimate becomes political.