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International Theater Festival of Benin
20/03/2008-30/03/2008
Missions Abroad - Cotonou, Bénin

DELEGATION
Mr. Sidiki Bakaba, Director General of the Palace of Culture, Ms. Ayala Bakaba, Administrator of the Palace of Culture, Beugre Djepp, Cecile Pango, Michael Danon

Bird Palace of Culture in Abidjan took its first flight. On one of the oldest branches of the great tree of civilizations of Africa, he landed. He made his nest. Just time for a journey into the wonderful world of boards. It was during the 9 ^{th edition of the Festival International de Théâtre du Benin (FITHEB). From 22 to 30 March 2008. If for reasons beyond its control, the Palace of Culture in Abidjan could not honor his tour in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Haiti in the month of Africa, this stay on the land which gave birth to Toussaint Louverture, was more than a consolation. And certainly the beginning of a series of other trips that will make known the Ivorian culture and excellence of what it does best in training of professional actors. For part of the first brood of young professional actors from the Actor Studio, this journey to the land of Behanzin was a real voyage of initiation under the watchful eye and attentive to their master Sidiki Bakaba and their producer Ayala Bakaba who were themselves at their umpteenth visit to Benin. The room they gave performances is Koffi Kwahulé, author Ivorian brightest of his generation, "We need Ameri ; America "directed by Sidiki.}

14 countries attended this meeting where young comet dians Ivorian Djepp Beugré (Opolo), Cecile Pango (Badibadi) and Michael Danon (Topitopi) are beautifully illustrated in Cotonou and Ouidah, making sure to honor their teacher and the Palace of Culture but also and especially to Côte d'Ivoire whole.

This festival was also a great opportunity to meet and discoveries. This applies, for example the meeting with a descendant of Toussaint Louverture King Victor Adja Dodo, king of AHIZO and visit the Gate of No Return, one of the sites Holders of the painful memories of a continent that has given so much to world civilization despite what we think or believe.

In the opinion of all members of the delegation, the FITHEB particularly distinguished by the extensive mobilization and the highest authorities of Benin and the people, for to make this appointment grand reunion around the fraternal culture. This is essentially what the CEO and the Administrator General of the Culture Palace in Abidjan, actors and technicians have told a press conference. This has enabled journalists, thanks to pictures taken throughout the trip, to get a fair idea This ^{9 th edition of FITHEB which bear the imprint of the distinguished participation of the Palace of Culture in Abidjan.}

Christian Kocani

Impressions after the Festival

Mr. Sidiki Bakaba DG Palace of Culture in Abidjan, director: < / strong>

" ; There is a dynamic team that organizes the FITHEB and there is a definite political will of the President of the Republic of Benin, Boni Yahi, Minister of Culture Soumanou Ceybou Toleba and all political and governmental authorities. I was struck by the fact that everything happens as if all the Benin had realized the value that represents an event that brings together many people who speak and Culture Arts alive. This is not the only case of a minister is the case of an entire country. Our young actors showed me they were good at school. They have adapted to site conditions. When raising children in cotton, we always fear that when they are confronted with difficulties they can not cope. Well, they've now proven they are true professionals. They have invested. I understand why they like to be called bellas that is to say, individuals who put up with all situations without affecting their hard work and achievement. I am proud of this first release. I am proud to have presented something of the Palace of Culture in Abidjan and our country Cote d'Ivoire. Thank you for the same occasion, President Boni Yahi, Minister of Culture, the Director of FITHEB, Mr. Orden Alla Datin, its Administrator, M. Souberou Osseni, especially Mr. Lad, journalist chain LC2 for its dynamism and its yours. Benin, which was considered the Latin Quarter of the sub-region, seemed to be a country full of future construction. There are these brothers a clear sense of pan-Africanism and a sense that culture should be the base. This belief should be shared by all our leaders. Toussaint Louverture was a native of Benin, is also the land of Behanzin. Without culture, we could not talk about development because humans would not be taken into account. "

Djepp Beugré, actor:

"It was our first official release, our first participation in an international festival. The key for us was to go play on stages where we had never played and go to the discovery of another country. And for my part, I have learned a great deal of satisfaction. As happens every time an artist will face another public, we had some misgivings about the fact that we do not always know how they will be allowed, what effect they produce. But once the game started, the favorable reaction of the public did the rest. I think we have succeeded in pleasing the audience at each of our performances. "

Michael Danon, actor:

"I trè ; s proud to be there. For me it was a great opportunity to be an ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire. The honor of representing my country. This trip was especially meaningful he was in Benin. If we have not had the chance to visit us in Haiti recently, we have nevertheless seen the land which gave birth to Toussaint Louverture. We even met one of his grand son. We learned many things. Later discovered, Ouidah affected me because I always dreamed of visiting tourist attractions and historical like Goree in Senegal. I do not know Ouidah and I discovery. Side festival, we were very excited because we do not represent individuals, but Côte d'Ivoire. We had to move Cotonou, and we did. We played for almost 100 per hour and eyes closed. Those who saw the show knew that the Ivory Coast has been there. It has brought joy and liveliness. I learned a lot and it will serve me for the work that the Ivorians will soon. "

Cecile Pango, come Dienes:

" ; The organization was good, and exchanges between the festival and the festival atmosphere. The opening was very colorful by tradition Benin, Aboriginal culture. It feels really good presence of government involvement in culture. They have a good culture of conservation of historical memory. That amazed me. I could not help but deplore this viewpoint, the delay in Côte d'Ivoire. In our culture we look and we let it deteriorate. We have so many things and places that we can upgrade. The experience of Benin made us want us closer to our culture and our traditions. The theater is on a pedestal so that soon we will no longer do without FITHEB. A point is made in the promotion of culture and particularly the theater because it is one of the best vehicles for our traditions. I retain a passionate side to the culture in Benin. It has retained a wonderful memory of Benin and some of its cities. " < / span>