THECO 2026 grand finale set for 18 January
After a strong start on 11 January, the first edition of the Theatre Festival in Ecodi (THECO) is heading for its final curtain. The closing day is scheduled for Sunday 18 January, bringing the spotlight back to the talents of Sunday schools in Brazzaville.
- THECO 2026 grand finale set for 18 January
- A festival led by Ruchama and Bible Reading League
- Four troupes expected to close the first edition
- What happened at the opening day on 11 January
- Emotional themes and values at the heart of the plays
- Director Galen Lebaki praises youth confidence
- Books and outreach beyond the stage
- Brazzaville awaits a final day of performance and unity
All attention is now turning to the Prefecture of Brazzaville, where the festival’s last performances are expected to wrap up what organizers describe as a human and spiritual journey built around children, community and stage expression.
A festival led by Ruchama and Bible Reading League
THECO is organized by the Ruchama group in partnership with the Bible Reading League. For this final day, the event is set to take place in the Prefecture’s conference hall, a symbolic venue for a project that aims to give young participants a public platform.
Beyond entertainment, the festival’s stated goal is educational and personal: helping children grow, strengthen self-confidence, and unleash oral creativity in front of an audience—skills that often take time to develop, especially for first-time performers.
Four troupes expected to close the first edition
For the final Sunday, four new troupes are announced to take the stage. Among those cited are the Sunday schools of Poto-Poto, Bacongo and Météo, invited to bring fresh energy and different styles to the closing chapter of the programme.
These performances are presented as the last steps of a cycle designed to support children’s development. The idea is to let each troupe express its message through theatre, while learning discipline, teamwork and public speaking in a supportive setting.
What happened at the opening day on 11 January
The festival launched on Sunday 11 January with an opening marked by the gymnastic movement of Poto-Poto, setting a lively tone. Three Sunday schools then began the theatre programme, each offering a play with a social or moral theme.
The Sunday school of La Base presented a piece titled “Si je savais,” aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of bad company. The performance spoke to everyday choices that young people face, using a direct storyline meant to reach families and peers alike.
Emotional themes and values at the heart of the plays
The Sunday school of Tala Nkolo moved the audience by focusing on the difficult living conditions of children placed outside their biological home. The subject, treated on stage, echoed real-life situations that many listeners recognize, making the message resonate beyond the hall.
Ngamaba closed that first day with “Garde tes valeurs,” a play centered on moral integrity. By putting the idea of values into dialogue and action, the troupe emphasized personal responsibility, encouraging youth to stand firm even under pressure.
Director Galen Lebaki praises youth confidence
Stage director Galen Lebaki expressed his satisfaction at seeing the young actors change before the audience’s eyes. He highlighted how they managed to overcome stage fright, a major step for children performing in public for the first time.
He also congratulated the organizers for what he sees as a long-term initiative that can awaken hidden talents. In his view, giving children repeated opportunities to perform can gradually reveal skills that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Books and outreach beyond the stage
The festival has also served as a moment of outreach for the Bible Reading League. Represented during the event by Pastor Evariste Kouikani, the organization presented its missions to participants and attendees in a spirit of service and sharing.
According to the account of the event, the Bible Reading League offered books and brochures to participants. This extra dimension reinforced the festival’s educational character, linking artistic activity with reading, learning and community support.
Brazzaville awaits a final day of performance and unity
With the closing day announced for Sunday 18 January at the Prefecture conference hall, THECO’s first edition is preparing a final sequence meant to bring together families, church communities and theatre lovers around youth performances.
If the opening day is a guide, the last show is expected to mix energy, emotion and lessons drawn from daily life. For many children, it is also a chance to step forward one more time—stronger, louder, and proud of their progress.
