THE RENDITION MEETS CLARISSE MAKUNDUL
“I was inspired by my grandmother, because we had a very close relationship where she practically raised me. When she died, I realised there was a big chunk of her that life I didn’t know about”
In the 1950’s, a war broke out in Cameroon between the Bamileke Cameroon Nationalists Party and France. The fight for independence was spearheaded by the Cameroonian Peoples Union (UPC). Despite the country gaining independence in 1961, the war continued for another 3 years, shaping the politics in the state. Also known as ‘Guerre Cachée (the Hidden War), many people are unfamiliar with the Cameroonian Independence War.
Clarisse Makundul was born in France and before moving to Cameroon to spend most of her formative years. Following a conversation with her grandmother whom she had a close relationship with, Clasrisse realised that she knew very little about the history of Cameroon and very little about her grandmother's youth. Upon searching and desiring to learn more from family and various resources, Clasrisse found out about the Hidden War and began pursuit in creating work that will shed light to this history.
Under the Kundé Tree is the first production in the UK to explore the Cameroonian Independence War through the lens of women. Set in the 50s, it follows the tale of Sara who struggles to strike a balance between her heart's desire and pressure to fulfil familial obligations.
We spent some time speaking to Clarisse about her desire for this story and her journey so far.
“I still can’t believe this is happening and I am trying as best as I can to be in the moment and enjoy the process.”
QUESTION: What is the Kundé Tree?
ANSWER: ‘Kundé’ means ‘freedom’ in the ‘Basaa’. What I remember is that villagers will gather under a tree to talk about politics and share stories. So ‘Under the Kundé Tree’ translates to ‘Under the Freedom Tree’.
QUESTION: How did you come up with the name?
ANSWER: In Cameroon it happens a lot where villagers gather under trees to discuss whatever problems they have in the village and sort it out, which is what happens in the play. It took me a while to come up with a title.
I had other names such as ‘Breaking the Silence and Fly from the African Bird’, but Under the Kundé Tree felt right. .
QUESTION: What does this story mean to you?
ANSWER: I’m originally from Cameroon. I was born in France and then moved to Cameroon when I was 3, I spent a good 7 years in Cameroon. I was inspired by my grandmother, because we had a very close relationship where she practically raised me. When she died, I realised there was a big chunk of her life that I didn’t know about. She was in her twenties in the 1950’s and I started to wonder what it was like for her to be in her twenties and fighting for the liberation of the country, what it was like for her to be in that environment… and it started from there.
QUESTION: Why is it important that you tell this story?
ANSWER: I spent 7 years in Cameroon and when my dad started talking to me, telling me stories about the history of Cameroon, I was a bit shocked because I didn’t know anything before that. I knew the history of Europe but I didn't know anything about Cameroon. This war remained hidden for a very long time, and the reason I decided to tell the story from the lens of women is because I feel their role in history has always been overlooked. I wanted to highlight the essential party they played in fighting for independence.
I’m quite excited that finally people are going to hear about Cameroon in the 1950’s…not many Cameroonians know what happened about the war. There were times when I wondered ‘am I the right person to tell this story’ only because I haven't gone through what those women have gone through, but I have been quite fortunate through dramaturgs, Gregoire and Laure. They know Cameroon very well and made the whole experience and writing process easier for me.
Thanks to them, I was able to make this story a bit more realistic and authentic.
QUESTION: How has the process of creating this story been, from inception till date?
ANSWER: It has been a long and slow process mainly because I don’t have a degree in literature, I didn't major in writing and English isn't my first language… I had to face those challenges early, I think that's why the process was quite long. I did a lot of reading and researching and then again being able to work with *** made the whole process and journey easier for me and enjoyable.
At times it felt like a burden again. I was questioning whether I was the writer to tell the story, and again because the story has remained alone for a very long time; I started asking myself why now? It’s been a very long process, but I am pleased that we are doing it and everything is happening now.
QUESTION: How have the storytellers in the room changed you?
ANSWER: The thing that I like about working with all of them is that they are all incredible and I’m beyond thrilled and grateful. Celina who plays our main character is half Cameroonian, and she didn't know anything about Cameroon which was really good. It is also nice to have everyone's perspective where their story gets heard and they share it through their perspective.
QUESTION: What message do you want people to leave with?
ANSWER: I would have said knowledge of the events, but I want the show to bring people together. To promote dialogue and more discourse that will lead to social change.
I hope they enjoy it.
QUESTION: How would you describe the production in 3 words?
ANSWER: Emotional, thought provoking and gripping.
Under the Kundé Tree is the firsts of it’s kind, highlighting an important moment in the decolonisation of Cameroon and its people.
The show runs from 24th May - 17th June at Southwark Playhouse.
