Long before colonization, there existed all over the Haoussa country various theatrical forms. In Zinder for instance, there is the Wassam Kara, a millet harvest festival which consists in street performances : it is a sort of carnival. The point is to re-enact political events involving current public officials impersonated by look-alike citizens.

The tradition carries on with several theatre companies such as Yazi Dogo Company or Niger Stage Company, with Idi Nouhou’s work. A Kapouchnik organized in March 2010 in Niamey with the [Theatre of Unity>http://www.theatredelunite.com/] bears witness. (photos by Abdoul Aziz Soumäla.)