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Stunning theatre brings home Rwanda’s genocide in UK schools

Schools throughout the UK will be hosting a stunning performance by the Rwandan theatre group ‘Mashirika’ between 26th October – 8th December 2006. Performed by Rwandan teenagers, ‘Rwanda: My Hope’ has been created in conjunction with UK-based genocide prevention organisation the Aegis Trust, with support from the Pears Foundation, to convey the story of 100 days of genocide in Rwanda, 1994, and the hope that a new generation now has for a peaceful future.
 
Vibrant Rwandan music, beautiful choreography that blends Rwandan traditions with contemporary dance, lively drum rhythms and vivid colour and movement will attract an audience of all ages.
 
‘All of us should remember’

Following the performance, the audience will have the chance to discuss issues raised by the genocide with the cast of ‘Rwanda My Hope’ and with staff of the Aegis Trust, which is responsible for the Kigali and Murambi Memorial Centres in Rwanda.
 
Dr James Smith, Chief Executive of the Aegis Trust, states: “Through ‘Rwanda, My Hope’, audiences in schools – particularly young people – will be able to gain a sense of Rwanda’s loss when the World stood by, but also of our responsibility today to support this country’s remarkable hope for the future.”
 
" Wherever genocide happens in this World it happens to people like us – so all of us should remember, and do what we can to help prevent such tragedies happening again in the future.”

"We are pleased to assist Aegis in bringing this powerful performance to the UK," states Trevor Pears on behalf of the Pears Foundation. "My personal hope is that its audiences will feel as moved as I did, and recognise that we are all responsible for each other."
 
ENDS
For more information about the performance at various locations, or to obtain tickets, contact Chantelle Lee, Education Development Officer at 01623 836 627 or on mashirika@aegistrust.org. Check out details of contact person on http://www.aegistrust.org/mashirika back