Elie Rajaonarison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elie Rajaonarison
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Rajaonarison in 1999
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| Born | November 15, 1951 Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar |
| Died | November 27, 2010 Antananarivo, Madagascar |
| Occupation | Poet, writer, professor of cultural anthropology |
| Nationality | Malagasy |
Elie Rajaonarison (born November 15, 1951 – died November 27, 2010) was a famous poet, artist, professor, and government worker from Madagascar. He is known as a very important modern Malagasy poet. His poetry books were recognized around the world and translated into French and English.
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About Elie Rajaonarison
Elie Rajaonarison was born on November 15, 1951, in Ambatondrazaka, a town in the central highlands of Madagascar. When he was a young man, he married Mamisoa Ramananarivo. They had three daughters together.
A Champion for Malagasy Culture
Elie Rajaonarison was a very active poet. He strongly supported Malagasy traditional culture and the arts. He created a poetry group called Faribolana Sandratra. This group helped young people in Madagascar develop their poetry skills.
He inspired many new poets and artists in Madagascar. He often performed his poems in public, and many people came to watch. A singer named Samoëla even mentioned Elie Rajaonarison in his song "Soly" in 1997. The song suggested that people with sad hearts could find comfort in Rajaonarison's poetry.
Elie Rajaonarison also translated poems by Jacques Prévert from French into the Malagasy language.
His Work in Arts and Heritage
Rajaonarison worked hard to protect and promote Madagascar's performing arts. He helped create a play called Tana-Cergy. This play was performed by actors from Madagascar and France. It was shown in France and received good reviews.
He also translated plays by Bernard-Marie Koltès from French into Malagasy. This helped Malagasy people learn about different kinds of theater.
Besides writing, Rajaonarison loved photography. His photos were praised by other artists. He also wrote and directed several films. He worked with other artists to create the Malagasy National Committee of ICOMOS. This group helps protect Madagascar's important cultural and historical sites.
Teaching and Public Service
For more than 25 years, Rajaonarison taught at the University of Madagascar in Antananarivo. He later became the head of the Sociology Department. In his classes and research, he explored Malagasy culture, history, arts, and how people in Madagascar see the world.
In the 1990s, he served as the Secretary General to the Minister of Culture. This was under President Albert Zafy. He was also a member of a political party called AVI. People knew him for his strong beliefs, his love for Madagascar, and his friendly personality.
His Passing
Elie Rajaonarison passed away on November 27, 2010, at the age of 57. He became ill and passed away. His death was a sad event for many people in Madagascar, and he received special honors from the state.
