Imagine being swept away by a story that doesn’t just tell the tale of origins, but dances it into life. That’s exactly what Soa Ratsifandrihana does with her latest creation, “Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna” (or FFF for short). 
Kicking off on September 18, 2024, and running through December 19th, the Festival d’Automne invites you to witness a captivating fusion of history and movement with Soa Ratsifandrihana’s latest creation. 
Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna (FFF), the title, which translates from Malagasy as “comparison, transmission, and rivalry,” is packed with so many layers, it feels like you’re peeling back a story with every step. And just when you think you’ve caught up, Soa reveals a fascinating nugget from the past—fampitaha is also a traditional 19th-century Malagasy dance ceremony, still performed today in rural and urban settings. Back in the day, the best dancers would even perform before the king and queen. Talk about dancing with pressure!
Soa, born in Franche-Comté to Malagasy parents, grew up in a family where science and medicine were the norm—her father is an engineer, and her mother, a doctor. But for Soa, it was the rhythm of Malagasy music, jazz, pop, and disco that called her from a young age. While her brother pursued a scientific path, Soa began dance lessons at just five years old, setting her on a course that would soon lead to the world stage.
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After refining her skills at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris, Soa spent two years studying biology and geology, before a chance meeting with Japanese choreographer Kaori Ito in 2014 changed her trajectory. Through Kaori, Soa was introduced to the acclaimed director James Thierrée, leading to her first professional role in Tabac Rouge. “It was an eye-opener,” Soa recalls. “I fell in love with the expressive freedom of the stage. I used to be shy, but Thierrée told me something that stayed with me: ‘On stage, you can be arrogant.'”
That advice empowered her to explore boldness in her performances. Two years later, she collaborated with Burkinabé choreographer Salia Sanou. From 2016 to 2021, Soa worked with the renowned Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, performing in numerous repertoire pieces. She also credits writer and director Rébecca Chaillon for pushing her boundaries during a workshop that redefined her approach to performance.
Now, in Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna, Soa teams up with three artists from different diasporas, blending dance, music, and storytelling into a dynamic narrative. Together, they confront themes of colonization, language loss, and migration. It’s a performance that balances history’s weight with the lightness of dance, keeping the audience engaged and reflective.
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If you’re looking for an extraordinary cultural experience this fall, Soa’s show is a must-see. Running through December 19, 2024, Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna at the Festival d’Automne promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of history, all told through the art of movement. Don’t miss your chance to see it!