Rwandan theater is an often overlooked yet compelling form of artistic expression, the collaborative efforts of Helios Theater from Hamm, Germany, and Ishyo Arts Centre presented a thought-provoking play titled "Talking About Silence," to an audience on Saturday, January 13.

The play, shedding light on silence within families, among individuals, and in broader societal contexts, marked a theatrical experience that delved into the universal theme of suppressed narratives.

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Directed by German director Barbara Kolling and Rwandan director Carole Karemera, the play emerged from a collaborative process, blending improvisation, personal narratives, and thoughtful storytelling. Kolling highlighted the profound resonance of silence in both German and Rwandan societies, where historical events, such as World War II in Germany and the Genocide against Tutsi, have left unspoken legacies within families.

The play opens with a reflection: "At first, there was silence before I was born. At first, I was silent, I remained silent, but the silence was not in me; it was outside. I was told to stay silent, to listen to what I was told. At first, I listened, I obeyed, but there was a whisper. I felt it, then I heard it. I started searching, I researched it, I started questioning it.” Having attended, I personally witnessed societal topics rarely addressed, such as family abandonment, police brutality, relationships, and more.

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Targeted at young audiences aged 13 and above, the play aimed to initiate dialogues around the concept of silence, offering a reflection on shared human experiences. The play had four performances in local schools, creating an engaging platform for students to connect with the play's themes.

"The international collaboration not only bridged cultural differences but also uncovered surprising similarities between the two nations. We were inspired by our shared discoveries, and had to use theater as a medium to address common societal challenges and promote understanding,” said Kolling.

Actor Felix Breuel shared his thoughts on the collaborative process behind "Talking About Silence," stating: "We did it somehow together, the finding of the stories, and then I kind of tell two stories in the play. They delve into the universality of family dynamics and childhood experiences. The opportunity to engage with different audiences, from adults to school classes, allowed us as the cast to witness the impact of our performances.”

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Reflecting on the impact of theater, Breuel emphasized: "I think it's one of the biggest chances in theater to do personal contact. We are together in one room. This evening we played for adults, but we also played for school classes. And it changes, it changes a lot. So to be able to see reactions of different audiences and to really get in contact with them, I think this is a chance to really personally go into the details of the issues we are talking about."

Rwandan actor and musician, Kenny Mirasano, said: "My story revolves around a family where only a mother was present with her children, as their father was absent for several years. This absence led to a silence within the family, as they wished to conceal the struggles they faced after their father abandoned them. In Rwanda, especially, families often refrain from sharing their hardships with neighbors and outsiders. I grew up in such a situation, and these are aspects you can't witness in movies. Through theater, we bring real-life stories and situations to the stage. Theater is a powerful medium that reflects the genuine experiences of individuals. Every time we perform, we connect with people who relate to the themes we explore.”

The overall production, encompassing storytelling, stage design, lighting, and acting, met a commendable standard, Ishyo Arts Centre is set to return in February with another play titled "Blind Spot," delving into the themes of black racism and white privilege.