Yesterday, a dozen actors, 90% of whom were young people, performed ‘Ny fireneko’ on stage as part of the celebration marking the 60th anniversary and 35-year artistic career of Solohery Ramamonjy, president of Tropy Antananarivo Teatra. Aimed primarily at students, but also at political authorities, the play raises public awareness about the role of youth in the development of Madagascar.
For Solohery Ramamonjy, the message is clear: “Students are our main target because brain drain is one of the biggest obstacles to our country’s development. We want to raise awareness among young people: they have a huge responsibility, as they are the ones who will take over. We are also addressing political authorities, because real political will is needed,” he explains.
The play tells the story of Rasamy, who almost descends into madness after finding his child, who had settled abroad and was ready to build a life there. Upon realizing his father’s suffering, the child understands the consequences of his departure. Through this narrative, ‘Ny Fireneko’ delivers a powerful message: why abandon one’s country when it is still possible to contribute to its development? Love for the homeland is the central theme.
The work also questions an educational system largely inspired by foreign models and regrets that Malagasy culture is not sufficiently valued. This reflection is reinforced by a poem by Rado dedicated to the preservation of the Malagasy language and identity.
Faithful to the original text, the troupe rehearses every weekend to capture the spirit of the 1950s. The play is punctuated by thirteen songs, including ‘Isika olombelona nofo’, ‘Misy izay zanako izay’, and ‘Mijaly i Kiaky sy i Neny’, composed by Ramanda Albert and Rabarinjaka Henri.
The project will continue its mission of promoting Malagasy art with a new event scheduled for November. At the end of each performance, the artists remind the audience of an essential lesson: love your country and your cultural heritage, because no one else will preserve Malagasy culture for the Malagasy people.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 06:42:03 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/theatre-une-dizaine-dacteurs-font.html