Ouagadougou: The Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, through the National Center for Performing and Audiovisual Arts (CENASA), announced the launch of the Patriotic Concert on October 18, 2025, aimed at rehabilitating the Desire Bonogo Popular Theater. This iconic cultural venue in Burkina Faso will be rejuvenated to bolster national unity and cultural identity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the announcement was made during a press conference in Ouagadougou on Tuesday. The event will be a grand gathering featuring performances from various artists across generations, reflecting the patriotic spirit intended to drive the theater’s revival. CENASA’s General Director, Abraham Abassague, emphasized the importance of the theater’s rehabilitation in preserving collective memory and enhancing national unity.
Scheduled for 4 p.m. at TheStre Populaire, the concert will welcome members from all sectors of the state, artists, and the Burkinabe diaspora. The event will include performances such as slam poetry, dance, theater, and storytelling, promising an engaging experience for over two hours.
The Director General of CENASA highlighted the significance of cultural efforts in the current phase of national reconstruction. He noted that culture is fundamental to the strategic vision of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Faso, who considers it a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s Patriotic and Popular Refoundation (RPP).
The Desire Bonogo Popular Theater, built during the Revolution between 1984 and 1985, spans approximately 4,500 square meters and can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators. Its distinct architecture and acoustics make it an ideal venue for hosting large-scale performances and community events, serving as a vital cultural hub in Ouagadougou.
The theater’s revival project is spearheaded by CENASA in collaboration with Nephtali Media, a patriotic Burkinabe communications agency. The Patriotic Concert will serve as the inaugural event of a series of activities facilitated by Nephtali Media and CENASA during the theater’s rehabilitation.
The free admission concert on October 18 will symbolize the beginning of a renewed cultural initiative, reinforcing the theater’s status as a center for both memory and future cultural endeavors.