Billy Elucien, an artist, director, and educator, embodies the passion and resilience of Haitian creators in the face of the multiple challenges within the cultural sector. Through his unique journey, he reflects on the evolution of theater in Haiti while emphasizing the importance of knowledge transmission and the preservation of traditions. Born in Port-au-Prince in 1978 and raised in the popular neighborhood of Fontamara, Billy has, from an early age, combined his love for theater with a deep social and cultural commitment. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on his career, achievements, and the challenges facing Haiti's cultural scene.
Billy Elucien: A Journey Through Haitian Theater Art
A Childhood Marked by Discipline and Art
Billy Elucien is a man full of energy, and his childhood in Fontamara testifies to this. "I was quite a lively child, always in motion, and it was my mother who taught me rigor and discipline." This maternal discipline has been a pillar throughout his life, especially during his academic years. After finishing high school in Fontamara, Billy went on to study at ENARTS (National School of Arts), where he trained in theater before pursuing a degree in social communication at the Faculty of Humanities. This dual training, both theatrical and in the humanities, shaped his critical view of Haitian society while providing him with tools to understand the impact of theater on culture.
First Steps on Stage: An Art in the Making
Billy's initiation into theater began in his adolescence within the Free Methodist Church of Fontamara. It was here that he trained alongside other young people from his neighborhood through cultural activities that combined music, dance, and theater. At the age of 14, he joined his first theater group, "GC," where he began experimenting with parodies and musical comedies. These early experiences marked his love for the theatrical arts and live performance.
Billy recalls precious moments spent with Louis Atos Julien, a legendary figure in Haitian theater, who offered him his first real training. "Louis Atos Julien was a mentor to me. He taught me the importance of theater as a tool for social transformation and popular expression." He later continued his theater education with Damis Jean Kelly, Paula Clermont Pean, and other Haitian and foreign masters, who pushed him to refine his artistic approach.
Key Moments in His Career: Creating to Awaken Consciousness
Beyond the stage, Billy Elucien’s projects are deeply committed to making the voices of the oppressed heard and advocating for the place of art in society. One of the most significant moments in his career was his integration into Petit Conservatoire and ACTELIE, two institutions that nurtured his vision of theater as an art of resistance. "Theater has always been for me a way to react to social issues, to denounce injustices, and to awaken consciousness."
Billy also played a key role in founding the Intercultural Kont Anba Tonèl Festival, an event he created with friends from the Foudize Théâtre troupe. This festival aimed to reintroduce Haitian traditional storytelling into the cultural scene of the country. "The art of storytelling, often forgotten or underestimated, carries ancient wisdom. The festival helped restore a true place for this art in Haitian culture by bringing together storytellers and artists from the diaspora."
The Impact of Radio Theater: A Different Dimension of Art
In addition to his career as an actor and director, Billy Elucien is also involved in radio theater, an art he particularly appreciates for its ability to engage the audience's imagination. "Radio theater is a fascinating genre because it relies on the voice. It’s an art of listening and suggestion, where the audience has to actively participate in the creation of the story." He talks about his role in the Zoukoutap project, a radio play where he played the character Sègo, a symbolic role that allowed him to reflect on the social realities of Haitian life. "This project was a challenge because it required me to play a character that reflected my own inner struggles and my thoughts on the country."
Mentors and Inspirations: The Essential Role of Guidance
Billy’s mentors played a crucial role in his career. Besides Louis Atos Julien and Damis Jean Kelly, he mentions Daniel Marcelin, a master of mime theater in Haiti, as a significant source of inspiration. "Daniel Marcelin marked my vision of theater. He taught me that the body is a powerful instrument of expression. His work in mime was a revelation for me."
These encounters led Billy to a strong commitment to pass on his knowledge and passion. "Each generation must care for the next. My role today is to train and mentor young artists in order to preserve the richness of our culture."
A Vision for the Future of the Cultural Sector in Haiti
While Billy is proud of his past achievements, he holds a realistic view of the future of the arts in Haiti. The current situation is marked by numerous challenges: lack of funding, the destruction of cultural infrastructures after the earthquake, and growing insecurity. "The situation is complicated. The absence of subsidies and institutional support makes the work of Haitian artists extremely difficult. Many creative spaces have been destroyed, artists are undervalued, and insecurity reigns. If the state does not recognize the urgency of the situation, we risk losing much of our cultural heritage."
Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, Billy remains optimistic and determined. He dreams of a federation of Haitian artists capable of defending their rights and pressuring the authorities to secure legal status for creators. "We must work together to build a solid legal framework that protects artists, because without this, we are drifting."
Valuable Advice for Young Artists
For those starting in the artistic field, Billy has a clear message: "Don’t be blinded by illusions. Art in Haiti is a daily struggle. Don’t think you’ll make a living easily from this profession. Learn your craft, be disciplined and patient. The most important thing is to have a clear objective and to know why you are doing what you’re doing." For him, an artist must be ready to sacrifice part of their personal comfort for a greater cause: art, culture, and society.
Hobbies and Personal Balance: Art Beyond the Stage
Outside of his artistic work, Billy Elucien also finds time for his passions. He is a big fan of cinema, music, particularly jazz, and reading. "I also enjoy managing my social media. It’s a way to stay connected with my audience, share my ideas, and follow the evolution of the cultural scene." These moments of relaxation are essential for him as they allow him to maintain a balance between his professional and personal life.
Looking to the Future: Resilience and Hope
Despite the difficulties and uncertainties surrounding the Haitian cultural sector, Billy Elucien remains convinced that art, and particularly theater, can play a central role in the country's reconstruction. "Art can be a transformative force. It’s a way to reflect on our history, our present, and our future. Theater in Haiti is a form of resistance, a way for us to say, through laughter, tragedy, and spectacle, that we are still here."
Billy Elucien is also passionate about making Haitian culture known beyond borders. He dreams of a theatrical scene that is not only a mirror of Haitian society but also an international platform. "Our culture is rich and diverse; it deserves to be known worldwide. Theater, in particular, can be a powerful vehicle for our heritage and our message."
Follow the Activities of the Club des Amis de la Vérité Émergée (CAVE)
Billy Elucien strongly encourages the public to follow the activities of the Club des Amis de la Vérité Émergée (CAVE). This club, which he actively supports, regularly organizes artistic events, workshops, and performances aimed at promoting Haitian art in all its forms. "The CAVE is a place for exchange and creation, bringing together artists, spectators, and creators from all backgrounds. It’s an essential space for Haitian culture, and I strongly encourage the public to participate in its events and support its initiatives. The CAVE plays a key role in revitalizing the artistic scene in Haiti."