Hermine Yollo Wins RFI Théâtre 2026 Prize at Les Zébrures Festival in Limoges
On Sunday in Limoges, Cameroonian playwright Hermine Yollo was awarded the Prix RFI Théâtre 2026 for her work, Ima Maryam: le jugement de Marie, during the ongoing Les Zébrures festival, which began on 23 September. Festival director Hassane Kassi Kouyaté highlighted the importance of resisting the "asphyxiation of theatre," stressing the significance of art in safeguarding free will. This year's theme, "Refuser l'isolement," focuses on the challenges of identity-based isolation and financial hardships faced by international artists. For the 2026 edition, Kouyaté featured readings from emerging writers, including Senegalese slam poet Patherson. Yollo, who is also a translator and director of NGOTI, delves into the Virgin Mary's perspective, challenging societal taboos. Aurélie Van Den Daele described the play as unique, feminist, and bold.
Key facts
- Hermine Yollo won the Prix RFI Théâtre 2026 for Ima Maryam : le jugement de Marie
- The prize was awarded on Sunday evening in Limoges
- Les Zébrures festival has been held in Limoges since 23 September 2026
- Hassane Kassi Kouyaté is the festival's director and wrote an editorial against the "asphyxiation of theatre"
- The 2026 edition's slogan is "Refuser l'isolement"
- Some artists were denied visas for what Kouyaté called fallacious reasons
- Senegalese slam poet Patherson is in writing residency in Limoges
- Aurélie Van Den Daele, director of Théâtre de l'Union, presented Yollo's text as a reading
Entities
Artists
- Hermine Yollo
- Hassane Kassi Kouyaté
- Patherson
- Aurélie Van Den Daele
- Jacques Surette
- Maryam
- Marie
- Jesus Christ
- Siegfried FORSTER
Institutions
- RFI
- Les Zébrures
- Théâtre de l'Union
- Compagnie NGOTI
Locations
- Limoges
- France
- Douala
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Yaoundé