Du recit a la theatralisation populaire des panegyriques: cas du Panegyrique du roi Behanzin de l'ancien royaume d'Abomey
From narrative to popular theatrical panegyrics: case of the Panegyric of King Behanzin de l'ancien royaume d'Abomey

Summary/Abstract: Established with the aim of magnifying and immortalizing the actions of the king, the royal panegyric is one of the many vestiges through which the rulers of Abomey express their wisdom and intrinsic values without which this ancient kingdom could not resist the French penetration. The Panegyric of King Béhanzin is an example. But recited at the beginning, the panegyric in its execution gives place, thereafter, to a real popular spectacle through which the actors seek to communicate to the public of the cardinal values without which a nation could not be built and developed. The present study, by means of dramatic analysis and content analysis, addresses the phenomenon and demonstrates the theatrical dimension in the execution of this rich cultural heritage. The Panegyric of King Béhanzin will serve as a support for reflection. Two key themes are discussed: the analysis of the theatrical dimension of the panegyrics and the apprehension of the philosophical scope that these pieces transmit.

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