Closing Day of the THECO 2026 Festival in Brazzaville
Following a successful launch on January 11th, the first edition of the Ecodi Theater Festival, known as THECO, is preparing for its grand finale. Sunday, January 18th is set to mark the conclusion of an event designed to showcase the talents of Sunday school groups across Brazzaville.
Organizers present the festival as a space where children can grow through performance, discovering stage discipline while learning to speak confidently in front of an audience. For families and community leaders, the closing day is expected to be both a celebration and a moment to assess what this inaugural edition has accomplished.
Partnership: Ruchama and the Bible Reading League
THECO is organized by the Ruchama group in partnership with the Bible Reading League. This collaboration has helped structure a program that blends theater, youth training, and a community spirit rooted in shared values.
By combining an artistic framework with faith-based educational awareness, the partners sought to create a welcoming environment for children from different neighborhoods. The result is a festival that aims to be local and accessible, while encouraging high standards on stage.
Performances on January 18th at the Brazzaville Prefecture Hall
The highlight of THECO’s final day is scheduled for the conference hall of the Brazzaville Prefecture. Four new troupes are expected on stage for this final chapter of the festival, bringing fresh energy to close the event on a high note.
Participating Sunday schools announced for the finale include Poto-Poto, Bacongo, and Météo. Their performances are presented as the culmination of a cycle that seeks to support children’s personal development, build self-confidence, and unleash creativity in public speaking.
Opening Day Recap: Themes that Spoke to Families
The festival began at a brisk pace on Sunday, January 11th, with an opening animated by the Poto-Poto gymnastics movement. Three Sunday schools then set the tone for the edition, each addressing a topic closely tied to the daily lives of children and parents.
La Base performed “If I Knew,” a play that raised awareness about the risks of negative peer influence. Tala Nkolo moved the audience by focusing on the difficult living conditions of children placed outside their biological homes, while Ngamaba closed the day with “Keep Your Values,” centered on moral integrity.
A Director’s Perspective: Confidence Built in Real Time
The director expressed satisfaction at seeing the young actors transform over the course of the festival, particularly in overcoming stage fright. For him, the most striking change was not just theatrical technique, but the calm and presence the children gradually developed.
He also praised the organizers for launching an initiative that can, over time, awaken hidden talents. In his view, repeated opportunities to perform are essential for children who might not otherwise have access to cultural spaces, especially at an age when confidence can be fragile.
Books, Brochures, and Community Learning Beyond the Stage
Beyond the performances, THECO also served as a platform to present the missions of the Bible Reading League. The organization used the gathering to connect with families and participants in a practical way.
During the event, the Bible Reading League offered books and brochures to participants. Organizers describe these materials as part of the festival’s broader educational dimension, complementing the theatrical activities with resources that can be read at home or used in group learning.
What the First Edition Means for Brazzaville’s Culture
For the cultural life of Brazzaville, THECO’s first edition suggests that community initiatives can create new stages for young voices. The festival format places children at the center, giving them a structured moment to be seen and heard, while drawing attention to the role of mentors.
As the curtain prepares to fall, attention turns to the Brazzaville Prefecture for a closing day described by participants as both human and spiritual. For many families, January 18th is expected to leave lasting memories, and perhaps the desire to see THECO return.