Mali captured in four bold steps

When he recently stepped onto the stage, Malian actor Nouhoum Cissé embodied the history of Mali, of up to 51 years after the West African country gained independence from the French, and that was just in four calculated steps.

Through colourful dance, captivating music of his people, narration and the other theatrical steps often employed on stage, the old man of Malian theatre was on point. And he did not just paint it, he also made a comment.

Cisse, who considers himself God's gift to a bored mankind, is often hilarious. In this instance, he spiced his act with a bit of criticism and an invite to reflection.

In the theatrical piece created over two years, the actor depicted the four Malian regimes, in what alludes to the creation days, but there are just four in this case. They include years of rule by Modibo Kéïta, General Moussa Traoré, General Amadou Toumani Touré and Alpha Oumar Konaré.

The first day symbolises the empowerment of Mali under founding president Keita. This was a regime that gave the country reason to tap into their cultural heritage as championed by Keita.

The cycles

The second day referred to Siran (the fear) brings in president Traoré's regime. During his 23 years of reign, the country faced serious hardships, thanks to his poor leadership and rampant corruption that loosened up young institutions.

This was era of country's diminished freedoms, and the entry of one party state.

When day three dawned, Mali gathered some courage, and introduced reforms that included first democratic elections. This was between 1991 and 1992, under Touré, who then stepped out for Konaré. During that time, a lot of reconstruction of Mali took place. But even with his goodwill and ambition, Konaré failed to sort out a few issues.

The fourth day, which is the current phase, is considered as that of Yèrèdon baliya. It is a contrast of the first day; with several infrastructural projects and plenty of freedom that leaves his critics worried. This is under President Toure, who ended country's military rule and is currently serving his second term.

As the country prepares for another round of elections, the play staged by Cissé is meant to remind Mali of its past, and even hint at what to do to improve its future.

The multi-disciplinary actor Cisse began his career in his native village of Fougna Moribougou, located in the circle of Kita, region of Kayes (Western Mali).