The Stage

Rwandan survivors and refugees to tour Africa’s Hope

Published Tuesday 29 July 2008 at 15:25 by Lalayn Baluch

Rwandan theatre company Mashirika is to launch a UK tour of its latest production Africa’s Hope, which features survivors and refugees of the country’s 1994 civil war.

The tour is sponsored by anti-genocide campaign group The Aegis Trust and Ethiopian Airlines. The play tackles the implications and consequences of prejudice, discrimination and genocide, and shows how Rwandans are working to rebuild their country.

Labour MP and international development minister Gillian Merron commented: “Mashirika was founded out of the ashes of genocide and uses performance to challenge the dangers of racism and intolerance. Mashirika gives us more than a performance. These young people tell an inspiring story of survival and hope.”

Africa’s Hope will premiere on September 18 at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot, Wales, before travelling to Leeds, Glasgow, London, Taunton and Nottingham.

Between performances, the cast and creative team will work with schools, sixth forms and community groups to promote diversity and social cohesion within communities.

Cast member Simon Iyarwema added: “Through dance we help to communicate to the world what happened in Rwanda. I am very happy to visit the UK and use theatre to communicate the message that genocide happened and is still happening today in other parts of the world.”