The "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" project, led by Roger Etoundi Zeyang, a renowned Cameroonian metteur en scène and dramaturge, has kicked off its 2026-2027 season on November 8. The project's primary objective is to promote theatre in schools, encouraging young people's artistic development. Etoundi Zeyang emphasized the significance of theatre in shaping young minds, fostering intelligence, and sensitivity.
The new project builds upon the success of the "Théâtre du Chocolat" initiative, which has been entertaining audiences for years. However, "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" aims to go beyond the existing scope by taking theatre to schools across the country, not just in major cities like Yaoundé and Douala. This expansion is part of the project's vision to make theatre more accessible to children in various regions.
According to Etoundi Zeyang, theatre plays a vital role in children's education, serving as both a pedagogical tool and a means of self-expression. Through theatre, children can develop essential life skills, such as managing stage fright, public speaking, and memory enhancement. By incorporating theatre into school curricula, the project aims to provide a well-rounded education that fosters creativity and confidence.
The project's launch was marked by a press conference held on October 30 in Yaoundé, where Etoundi Zeyang outlined the project's goals and challenges. He stressed the need to redefine and legitimize the role of art in young people's general education. By engaging with schools and communities, "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" seeks to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of theatre among Cameroon's youth.
The project's experimental phase will focus on regional capitals, where children have expressed a keen interest in theatre. This approach will enable the project's organizers to assess the initiative's impact and make necessary adjustments before expanding to other areas. By taking theatre to schools, the project aims to inspire a new generation of theatre enthusiasts and performers.
The launch of "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" has generated significant interest among stakeholders in the education and arts sectors. As the project progresses, it is expected to provide valuable insights into the role of theatre in promoting young people's social and emotional development. By supporting this initiative, Cameroon's education sector can benefit from a more holistic approach to learning.
As the 2026-2027 season commences, "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" is poised to make a lasting impact on Cameroon's cultural landscape. With its focus on promoting theatre in schools, the project has the potential to inspire a new wave of artistic expression and creativity among young Cameroonians.
Key points
- The "Théâtre à l’école-Théâtre pour tous" project aims to promote theatre in schools across Cameroon, expanding its reach beyond major cities like Yaoundé and Douala.
- The project's leader, Roger Etoundi Zeyang, emphasizes the significance of theatre in shaping young minds and fostering intelligence and sensitivity.
- The initiative seeks to provide a well-rounded education that fosters creativity and confidence among young Cameroonians.
