Ouagadougou: The Sylvie Chalaye Cultural Association organized the 2nd edition of the Ouagadougou International Popular Theatre Festival (FITPO) from May 7 to 10, 2026, in Komsilga, in the Central region, with the ambition of making theatre a tool for dialogue, education, and social transformation. 'When we launched FITPO, our ambition was simple but strong: to create a space accessible to all, where theatre meets the people, where art becomes a tool for dialogue, education, and social transformation,' said Dr. Pingdewinde Tiendrebeogo, Executive Director of the Sylvie Chalaye Cultural Association (ACSC).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the holding of this second edition reflects the support of the population and cultural actors for this vision of promoting popular theatre. Placed under the theme "Charting the Path", this edition aims to be a framework for reflection and consolidation of the festival's achievements. For Dr. Tiendrebeogo, this theme reflects "the collective will to build the future of popular theatre and strengthen its place in our society." He expressed the wish to see FITPO become "an unmissable event, a crossroads for meetings, exchanges, and artistic creation."
Representing the Minister in charge of Culture, the head of publishing, Dr. Drissa Zorom praised an initiative that contributes to the promotion of culture and popular theatre in Burkina Faso. "Popular theatre is much more than a performing art. It is a platform for dialogue, a mirror of society, a tool for education and social cohesion," he argued. According to him, theatre allows communities to express their realities, question their present, and imagine their future. Dr. Zorom believes that in a context marked by numerous challenges, culture and the arts remain important levers for strengthening social cohesion, resilience, and hope. "Popular theatre, accessible to all, brings generations together, unites communities, and gives citizens a voice," he added. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting all initiatives contributing to the promotion of arts, culture, and tourism.
The representative of the event's sponsor, Mamouna Ouattara, praised an initiative that places culture at the heart of communities. 'Being a patron of a festival dedicated to popular theatre is not just a privilege: it is a responsibility, that of supporting and encouraging an initiative that brings culture to life at the heart of communities,' she said. For Ms. Ouattara, "popular theatre is a school of life." "It speaks to everyone, without distinction. It educates, it brings people together, it questions, and above all, it gives a voice to those who don't always have one," she stated. She congratulated the initiators of FITPO for their commitment to promoting theatre and the performing arts, believing that their action contributes to strengthening social cohesion and living together. Mrs. Ouattara also expressed her willingness to support cultural initiatives that bring hope and social development.
The 2nd edition of the Ouagadougou International Popular Theatre Festival (FITPO) will be held from May 7 to 10, 2026, in Komsilga under the theme: "Tracing the path". The program includes theatre performances, artist performances, a parade, a public conference, a shopping street, and citizen actions.