At a press conference held this Tuesday, October 20, at his offices, at the Occide-Jeanty kiosk in Champ-de-Mars, the General Director of the National Theatre of Haiti, Yves Penel, presented a calendar of activities for the end of the year. According to the official, this period will be marked by solidarity, sharing, and cultural dynamism within the institution he leads.<\/p>

"I am happy to inform you that the National Theatre of Haiti will organize a series of activities by the end of the current year. Despite the difficulties the country is facing, we remain determined to continue offering young people a space for training and developing their artistic talent," the official stated, reaffirming the institution's commitment to continue its mission.<\/p>

"Through its choir, the National Theatre of Haiti is proud to conduct, this Thursday, October 22, the second signing sale of its album entitled Tradisyon. In the interest of preserving national memory and perpetuating our traditional songs, the general management of the theatre considers it necessary to make this album, with the colors of yesteryear, accessible to fans of local songs and the Haitian public in general," emphasized Yves Penel.<\/p>

According to Mr. Penel, this album was produced in 2015 under the direction of Frantz Jolicoeur, who has since passed away. It includes fourteen songs, such as "Wongòl", "Minis Azaka", "Souvenirs d'Haïti", "Fiyèt lalo", "Manzè Rosa", "Ti Carmen", and "Ogou O".<\/p>

"These are simple melodies, passed down orally for generations, which the choir wanted to record before they are lost," he added. "Through these songs, it is not about bringing the country back to what it was, but reminding us of what it has been, so that nothing falls into oblivion."<\/p>

Further, the General Director of the National Theatre of Haiti (TND'H) announced the return of the play Lakou<\/i>. On the occasion of the Day of the Dead, November 2, the institution will present this work at Boyer Square in Pétion-Ville.<\/p>

"Those who have not had the chance to attend its first two performances at the Karibe Convention Center and at the El Rancho hotel will have the opportunity to discover this play that highlights our values and traditions as a people," announced Yves Penel.<\/p>

"Lakou<\/i>, this word that signifies much more than a yard in our culture. The Haitian lakou is the circle of ancestors and the living, the place where the community gathers, where stories are transmitted, where pains are shared to be better overcome. The lakou is the first theater of Haiti," explained the General Director, recalling the symbolic significance of this play.<\/p>

He continued: "Lakou<\/i> carries within it this millennial memory. Written in the language of roots, it evokes our grandmothers, their silence and their wisdom. It whispers to us that we are not alone, that we never have been. On stage, Lakou<\/i> is not performed: it is inhabited. The actors become passages through which something greater flows through the hall. When the curtain falls, no one can remain unscathed."<\/p>

Tradisyon<\/strong><\/i>, <\/strong>Lakou<\/strong><\/i> and the Fraternity Festival on the Agenda<\/strong><\/p>

The General Director also announced the traditional end-of-year festival of TND'H, called "Festival Fratènite".<\/p>

"This festival will be an opportunity for residents of nearby neighborhoods to relax and commune while enjoying several musical groups and young local artists. This year marks the eighth edition of this event. We are happy to carry on this initiative that calls for solidarity and sharing," the official expressed with joy.<\/p>