Performers, jugglers, street circus and public theatre – that’s the Live Art at Boom 2010.

The body, the presence, the face and the make up – performing art takes art into the realm of human existence. The Wodaabe are one example of performing arts on human rites: these nomads gather to celebrate each year when the rain comes.

During the Geerewol Festival, that celebrates rain, young men assemble in the late afternoon to perform the yaake, a dance in which they display their beauty, charisma and togu, or charm. This is the time for each man to enjoy a fantasy image of himself, far removed from the mundane routine of his everyday life. Before the dance the men drink stimulating concoctions made from pulverized bark, which enable them to perform for hours in a trance-like state.

During the Boom, as the performers walk from place to place, an ambience of magic will touch all participants with the same admiration as the Wodaabe payed tribute to the rainy season.