Madagascar: COMPAGNIE MIANGALY – The story of Rasalama martyr adapted for the theater

The Miangaly company closed the seventh edition of the Rallye Moi(s) Théâtre event yesterday at CGM Analakely, with a poignant reading of “Martyr” recounting the story of a Malagasy martyr in 1849.

The curtain fell yesterday on the exceptional event, Rallye Moi(s) Théâtre (RMT), which took place at the Cercle Germano-Malgache Analakely with a poignant reading of “Martyr” performed by the team of the Miangaly Théâtre Company (CMT). Fela Razafiarison’s captivating voice transported the audience into a gripping story during the performance of “Martyr,” captivating around twenty people with its poignant narrative.

This theatrical piece immerses the audience in the dramatic events that shook Antananarivo in 1849, where Protestant believers were killed because of their faith. At the heart of this tragedy, a woman embodies the martyrdom. “This play not only narrates the history of Madagascar at that time, but it offers a testimony, a link between the past and the present. It is an ode, a drama. It is the story of Ma. Ma as Martyr, Ma as Madagascar,” emphasizes Fela Razafiarison, head of CMT. The seventh edition of this cultural event took place in various locations since March 1, including Ambohimanga, Ambohimangakely, Vontovorona, and other cultural centers with the theme “Women and Children First !!!”.

Keen interest

More than seven hundred people had the chance to attend the performances during the RMT 2024, in schools and cultural centers in Antananarivo.

“Our goal is to expand our audience each year. This year, we have seen a keen interest from the public in the world of theater, with questions asked and a consistent presence until the end of the show. Even children from public schools showed a keen interest in the stories we presented,” shares Misstik Rajoelison from CMT. This year’s event highlights children and women, a significant initiative as March 8 coincides with International Women’s Day.

A celebration of Malagasy culture, history, and creativity, the RMT continues to captivate and inspire an increasingly larger audience, thus reflecting the richness and diversity of the country’s artistic heritage.

Nicole Rafalimananjara