Mashirika to Premiere New Youth-Produced Play for Kwibuka25
To mark the 25th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Mashirika Performing Arts, and Media Company will premiere a youth-led play on life for the generation of Rwandans born after the Genocide. The performance, titled ‘Generation 25’ (G25), is inspired by true events and describes the role of different generations in building a new and unified legacy for Rwanda.
The world premiere of the play will take place on 12 April 2019 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and will be followed by a special Kwibuka25 Conversation on intergenerational responsibility and learning. Entry is free to all.
G25 is an artistic expression of humanity and an attempt to answer some of the biggest questions facing the country. The performance delves into the perspectives of young people who were born out of rape, in refugee camps, or those who were orphaned. It also explores the emotional and physical effects of the Genocide against the Tutsi on young people, including identity crises and social challenges.
The performance brings together a Rwandan cast with artists from Argentina and the United Kingdom. Their collective talent aims to empower young people to use their skills to promote humanity and peace-building in Rwanda and around the world.
Rwanda’s Minister of Youth, Rosemary Mbabazi, emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of Genocide victims and encouraged youth to be at the forefront of positive change.
“It’s important for youth to put themselves at the center of change. Our country has seen an impressive transformation, and each generation of Rwandans has an important and unique role to play in the country’s journey. The involvement of young people in sharing this message is a sign of creativity and humanity. I encourage young Rwandans to attend the performance and draw lessons that can guide us all on the path to lasting peace and unity.”
Hope Azeda, Artist Director of Mashirika, acknowledged the power of art to shape the future.
“This is one of the most important plays we have ever produced. The younger generation has taken the brave step to share real-life experiences in this piece. Our role, as the older generation, is to educate them and encourage everyone to strive for togetherness and understanding. At the G25 performance, you will be at one with the past, present, and future of a resilient nation. This is what our art was made for: healing and building,” Hope said.
Yannick Kamanzi, a lead actor in the G25, stressed the invaluable role of youth to create the future they want.
“I’m glad to be part of this work. Mashirika has really put young people in the driver’s seat. We have learned the stories of victims and met with survivors who lived through the horrors; each experience is heartbreaking. We were inspired to make a difference,” Yannick said.
Performance Details
- Date: 12 April 2019
- Location: Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Time: Media is advised to arrive at 5:30pm
Partners
‘Generation 25’ is proudly brought to you by Mashirika in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, British Council, Aegis Trust and the National Youth Council.
Resources
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mashirikarwanda
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mashirikarwanda
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mashirikaRwanda/
Media Contact
Dany Rugamba – dany@spruik.rw +250 783 447 722
