Dikum Dakum - The Secret of the Marula Tree

Adapted from the Picture Book by Ibrahima Ndiaye

In a land without rain, the animals are starving—there is no food left to be found. Together, they set off in search of something to eat. The strong lion Intare leads the way. When the heat becomes unbearable, the clever chameleon makes a remarkable discovery: a marula tree, bursting with juicy fruit.

But the tree won’t give up its treasure. No matter how hard the monkeys shake its branches, no matter how often the rhinoceros crashes its head against the mighty trunk—no marula fruit falls.

Old Mama Tenga has a solution: an ancient magic spell, made up of eight strange words, promises a rich harvest—if only the animals can remember them. But who will succeed? The clumsy elephant? The cunning hyena? Or Intare the lion himself?

Dikum Dakum – only faith in the power of community will unlock the secret of the marula tree!

At its heart, the play deals with climate migration, collective action, and the power of self-efficacy.

Ages 5 an up
Duration: 45 minutes, no intermission
Rights: Ibrahima Ndiaye

Production 2025 

Performer: Bärbel Maier
Director: Peer Damminger
Adaptation: Bärbel Maier
Set & Masks: Peer Damminger
Costume Design: Gabi Kinscherf
Music: Yann Damminger
Photography: Joelle Oechsle
Voice-Over: Jean-Paul Ingabire
Translation Kinyarwanda: Bingo Regis