Of the twelve candidates selected for the prestigious RFI Theater Prize, which each year rewards a French-speaking author from Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean or the Near or Middle East, we find this year a Congolese talent: N’Anza Tata with his play entitled “Analogie du vertigo”.
Over the editions of the RFI Theater Prize, the Democratic Republic of Congo has never won the final victory despite several preselections. Last year, three Congolese authors tried their luck, but without success. This year, N’anza Tata is the last Congolese hope, with his work which offers a subtle portrait of contemporary Congolese society.
In “Analogie du vertigo”, the action takes place at the bar “Chez Mama ni Mama” in Kinshasa, during the burial of the tooth of Lumumba, a national hero whose remains were returned to the country 61 years after his assassination. The bar’s customers, from different backgrounds, confront their points of view, while the owner plays the arbiter and Kabukula, the neighborhood troubadour, improvises a poem. Little by little, tongues are loosened, revealing the realities and contradictions of Congolese society.
The Prix RFI Théâtre, organized by Radio France Internationale, aims to promote the dramatic works of French-speaking authors. The jury, made up of artists and professionals, selects the best texts from among the applications. The name of the winner of the 2023 RFI Theater Prize will be revealed on September 24, during the Zébrures d’Automne festival in Limoges.
Participants, aged 18 to 46, must be from French-speaking regions and must propose original and unpublished theatrical works in French. Among more than 13 applications, only ten are preselected for the final vote of the jury.
Fingers crossed that N’Anza Tata and his piece “Analogie du vertige” finally win the victory for the Democratic Republic of Congo! See you on September 24 to find out the name of the winner who will receive this prestigious award