To mark the 25th anniversary of 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, entitled ‘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 show will further bring 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 honouring 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 centre of change. Our country has seen 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 survivors who
lived through the horrors; each
experience is heartbreaking. We were inspired to make a
difference,” Yannick said.
G25 is an artistic expression of humanity and an attempt to
answer some of the biggest
questions facing the country.The world premiere of the play will take place on 12 April 2019 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial site and will be followed by a special Kwibuka25 Conversation on inter-generational responsibility and learning.
Watch an exclusive interview and the play highlights here
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.