In a few days, the city of Dakar will vibrate to the rhythm of the second edition of the Dakar International Theater Humor Festival, an annual event that attracts thousands of culture, theater and dance enthusiasts. Scheduled for October 3 to 6, 2024, this festival will be an opportunity for actors to celebrate the diversity and richness of local and international cultures, offering an immersive experience through shows and panels. The theme chosen this year is: “Woman, mirror and hope – Djigéen Dji Gën”.
Senegalese theater has been lethargic for years. Based on this observation, reviving this art becomes more than ever a leitmotif to restore the Senegalese capital to its former place. For Yacine Sané, initiator of the Dakar International Theater Humor Festival, the Senegalese capital was losing its place since the death of one of its pioneers, Macadou Mbengue, in 2014. “The primary objective of the festival is to give back theater has its place in Senegal, but also to enhance professional theater productions. The Senegalese capital used to be a creative hub, but that has faded for quite a while. Due to a lack of resources, the companies no longer produced,” she explains.
This year, theater lovers will have the opportunity to discover artists from all over the world, with performances ranging from traditional African dances to folk songs, including the presentation of new creations. The program also highlights Mali. “It’s a Malian company, a big production, which will open the festival. This troupe is very well known and has toured the world,” informs Yacine Sané.
In addition to the open-air shows, a panel on the theme “What outcome to the crisis in Senegalese theater?” » will be proposed. A boon for actors. It will be a question of discussing the ills that plague Senegalese professional theater, according to Yacine Sané. In addition, numerous workshops will be offered to strengthen the capacities of festival directors from the four corners of the African continent.
The festival promises to be a space for meeting and sharing, where young and old can discover and appreciate the different facets of African and world cultural heritage. Whether you are passionate about music, art lover or simply curious, don’t miss this exceptional event. Be ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of colors, sounds and flavors.
