11 and 12

11 and 12 is the development of the material Peter Brook began to explore in the French language production "Tierno Bokar"... The play raises timeless questions about the subversiveness of faith, the meaning of existence and the conflict of free will and destiny. At the heart of the play lies a dash of values between Islamic Africa and an alien civilization and a plea for mutual tolerance and understanding that makes this very much a play for our times.

- Michael Billington, The Guardian

How can a theological discussion around the hidden meaning of two numbers lead inexorably to a massacre? The story of 11 and 12 catches the breath of everyone who hears it. Especially as it is true... Amadou Hampaté Bâ, the great African writer, tells how his teacher in a small town in Mali, Tierno Bokar, is caught up in an epic struggle against hatred and violence within his own family, his clan, his people fomented by the colonial powers dominating his country. This adaptation brings to the stage a unique narrative in which religion, politics, understanding and prejudice constantly intervene. It is tragic and mercilessly comic, full of sharp insights into the struggles of the past which resonate ever more strongly today.

- Peter Brook

In 2004, Peter Brook (London 1925), one of the most important figures in contemporary European theatre, presented an initial production based on the work of Amadou Hampaté Bâ, called Tierno Bokar. The premiere of 11 and 12 was on November 24, 2009, at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris. 11 and 12 is a Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord (Paris), barbicanbite 10 (London) and Instituto Grotowski (Wroclaw) production, presented in association with William Wilkinson for Millbrook Productions Limited.