Ethiopian National Theatre blends traditional music, dance and ancestral wisdom with a message of environmental sustainability at the BRICS Theatre Festival 2026.
Ethiopia brought its rich cultural heritage and environmental vision to the stage in New Delhi as the Ethiopian National Theatre presented “The Land of Origin and Ancient Civilizations” at the BRICS Theatre Festival 2026, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s oldest civilisations while highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability and international cooperation.
Presented on October 14 at Meghdoot Auditorium, Ravindra Bhawan, New Delhi, the 30-minute production was performed in Amharic and English. Written by Kaleb Walelegn and Eyob Geremew and directed by Bareke Tadesse, the production formed part of the festival organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the BRICS India 2026 initiative.
Through drama, traditional music and vibrant dance, the Ethiopian troupe offered audiences an engaging introduction to the country’s distinctive cultural identity, ancestral knowledge and diverse traditions. The performance celebrated Ethiopia’s unique alphabet and calendar, reflecting the country’s historical continuity and its distinctive place in the cultural landscape of Africa.
Ancient Wisdom and a Green Legacy
Beyond its celebration of history and cultural diversity, the performance highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental protection, particularly through its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, which promotes tree planting, landscape restoration and climate resilience.
The production also drew attention to traditional sustainable practices, including terraced farming, demonstrating how indigenous knowledge and community-based approaches have helped people adapt to their natural surroundings over generations.
By bringing these themes into a theatrical performance, the Ethiopian National Theatre connected cultural heritage with contemporary environmental challenges. The message was particularly relevant at a time when climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation demand collective action across national boundaries.
The performance called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations and the wider international community to protect the environment and advance sustainable development, reinforcing the idea that traditional knowledge and cultural practices can contribute to addressing shared global challenges.
Theatre as a Bridge Between India and Africa
The Ethiopian production attracted senior Indian officials, diplomats, students and art enthusiasts, providing a platform for cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.
Its participation in the BRICS Theatre Festival demonstrated how performing arts can deepen mutual understanding among nations by bringing their histories, traditions and contemporary aspirations to a shared stage. For India and Ethiopia, cultural engagement also offers an important avenue for strengthening longstanding ties and expanding public awareness of each other’s societies.
The festival, organised by India’s Ministry of Culture as part of the BRICS India 2026 initiative, brought theatre and cultural expression into the wider conversation on international cooperation and shared heritage.
By combining the story of Ethiopia’s ancient civilisation with its contemporary green vision, “The Land of Origin and Ancient Civilizations” offered more than a cultural showcase. It presented a compelling reminder that preserving heritage, respecting indigenous knowledge and protecting the planet can form part of a common vision for a sustainable future.
As BRICS countries seek greater cooperation on global challenges, the Ethiopian performance illustrated how culture and the arts can complement diplomacy, foster people-to-people connections and inspire collective responsibility beyond borders.
(Photos: Sourced from the social media handle of the Embassy of Ethiopia, New Delhi)