we toured from the southern province in cyangugu with its fragrant jungle on lake kivu across from bukavu in congo, up to ruhengeri, cradled in the cool embrace of the virunga volcanoes. it was impossible, improbable...incomparable. playing for audiences in kibuye who had never seen a play and didn't know to clap, for those in cyangugu who drank mützig during the show and laughed at all the heartbreaking parts, and for the 400 in gisenyi who sat in rapt attention and asked questions for hours afterwards. our most recent shows were galas sponsored by the serena kigali, and last night one for the staff of the national unity and reconciliation commission. the gacaca office is next up. we are off to a powerful start.
and it ain't over yet.

ukuri - the truth

we are up. finally. opened in butare on july 4th 2008, national liberation day, marking the end of the 100 days. then kigali at torero arts cafe, lycée de kigali, kimisagara maison des jeunes, club rafiki. now to tour....take a deep breath.

the view from here

here are our two fantastic actors:

jaqueline umubyeyi and jean paul uwayezu.

they play Mejra and Stetko in The Monument with grace and danger every day

working too hard to post more

divine chaos reigns...trust it

deeper into the work

florie

florie, our translation dramaurge, nursing her baby

first rehearsals

here we are working on the calm terrace at l'Atelier with kiki odile katese as french Mejra, and florentine kabasinga as kinyarwanda Mejra. yup, two Mejras in one. just one Stetko though - no photos of him yet, he likes the shade. and Florie nursing her beautiful baby Julia, on a break.

the beginning

everything with the production is still fluid with our dates, location, cast and crew changing daily. we plan for a june 27 opening in french and one on july 4 for the kinyarwanda version. o yes, the translation is in its first draft. very beautiful, this play in kinyawarwanda.
pangea day was wonderful, and even the butchers are romantic here.
and i do live somewhere...dans le centre ville.