To mark his 60th birthday and 35-year career, Solohery Ramamonjy is bringing back the play “Ny fireneko,” a piece inspired by a true story that celebrates devotion to Madagascar.
Patriotism will take center stage this weekend. To celebrate his 60th birthday and 35 years in the industry, Solohery Ramamonjy, president of the Antananarivo Theater troupe, will present “Ny fireneko” this Sunday at Ivokolo Analakely. Through this work inspired by real events, the director aims to convey a powerful message to the younger generation: “Love your homeland.”
The story is set in the 1950s. Rasamy, a father deeply attached to his country, sends two of his four sons to study abroad, hoping they will return to serve the Malagasy people. However, the two young men choose not to return, plunging their father into deep distress that leads to madness. When they finally return, a central question remains: have they come back out of love for their country, or because their father went mad in their absence? “The message we want to convey is love for the homeland. Theater must highlight what makes the Malagasy people unique,” emphasizes Solohery Ramamonjy.
To faithfully recreate the era, the actors will wear costumes characteristic of the 1950s, including poplin clothing. The performance, lasting nearly two hours, will also take on the atmosphere of a birthday celebration, with a cake shared between the artist and the audience after the show.
Born on July 17, 1966, Solohery Ramamonjy joined the Antananarivo Theater in 1991 at the age of 25 as the troupe’s youngest actor. Today, following the passing of most of his elders, he leads the troupe, while Elina Rabarinjaka remains honorary president.
“Today, I have become the dean. We especially want to attract young people to the theater,” he says. Founded in 1944 by Ramanda Albert, the Antananarivo Theater is one of the oldest troupes in the country, shaped by figures such as Henri Rabary-Njaka, Richard Harimanana, and Manarivo Rabary-Njaka. Its goal remains unchanged: to promote the Malagasy language, strengthen patriotism, preserve traditions, and ensure succession through a group of about twenty young actors.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-18 06:11:53 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/theatre-solohery-ramamonjy-fete-35-ans.html