The Senegalese theater delegation made a mark at the 12th edition of the International Festival of Higher Schools in Dramatic Art (FIESAD), held in Rabat, Morocco, from October 30 to November 2, 2026. The country's representation won two prestigious distinctions: the Best Male Interpretation Award and the Jury Prize, thanks to the play "La Graine de la discorde". This achievement highlights Senegal's potential in the young theater creation scene.
The festival brought together artistic institutions from seven countries: Senegal, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, and the Netherlands. Over four days, the event featured around ten performances for the public. The Senegalese delegation's play, "La Graine de la discorde", tells a story of neighborhood disputes that escalate into a collective tragedy. The plot revolves around two men, Demba and Mamadou, whose relations deteriorate over a rooster belonging to Mamadou.
The play explores the mechanisms of escalating violence, pride, and the sometimes-disastrous consequences of revenge. It conveys a moral message, emphasizing that conflicts, even those born from insignificant incidents, can have far-reaching consequences when dialogue and reconciliation are neglected. The play's narrative serves as a reflection on the devastating effects of unchecked vengeance.
The play's storyline begins with a seemingly trivial incident involving a rooster that enters Demba's field and pecks at some peanut seeds. Demba's anger leads him to kill Mamadou's rooster, prompting Mamadou to take revenge by setting fire to Demba's fields. The situation spirals out of control, engulfing the entire village in a conflict that grows in intensity.
Through this story, the play aims to convey a universal message about the dangers of unchecked emotions and the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. The play's success at the FIESAD 2026 festival underscores the creativity and talent of Senegal's young theater artists. The two distinctions won by the Senegalese delegation are a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage.
The FIESAD festival provides a platform for young theater creators to showcase their talents and exchange ideas with peers from around the world. This year's edition demonstrated the diversity and richness of global theater, with performances that explored various themes and styles. The Senegalese delegation's achievement is a source of pride for the country's artistic community.
The success of "La Graine de la discorde" at the FIESAD 2026 festival is an encouraging sign for Senegal's theater scene, which continues to produce innovative and thought-provoking works. The play's exploration of universal themes, such as conflict and revenge, resonates with audiences worldwide, highlighting the potential for Senegalese theater to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
Key points
- Senegal won two distinctions at the FIESAD 2026 festival, including Best Male Interpretation and the Jury Prize.
