THEATRE is one of the branches of performing arts that entertains and teaches people. It is a collaborative form that uses live performers, usually actors or actresses, to present the experience of a real or imagined event in a specific place, often a stage.

In Rwanda, a lot has been done in the sector but different theatre practitioners recognise that there is still a lot more to do.

According to Sylvestre Nsengimana, Founder of Umut Arts, an art company, theatre industry in Rwanda still faces challenges including that people do not value it as they should, as well as less funding from investors.

He was among the artists who performed during an event that took place at Casa Keza on the night of March 27 to celebrate World Theatre Day 2022. It was organised by Umut Arts to recognise the role theatre plays in building an impactful society.

The audience had a discussion on the role of theatre in building an impactful community.

Nsengimana recognises that theatre is a useful form of art that brings people together since it addresses real life stories, the problems society faces and helps in solving them.

He urges theatre practitioners to love and protect their industry, and avoid what can spoil its credibility, adding that they also need to work together to preserve what has been achieved and further promote the industry.

He called on the government to support the industry, whether by providing funding or a space, considering the impact theatre has had on Rwandan society.

Viviane Muhorakeye who has been writing plays and acting for over six years says that the industry has advanced and people have started valuing theatre compared to 15 years ago where she used to be beaten by her father for acting in theatres, implying that she was becoming trouble.

She called theatre practitioners to work together to further develop, and the government to invest in the industry like it does for other arts since it entertains and teaches people to make an impactful change.

Sylvestre Nsengimana in his play  ‘Brave. Muted’  during the event. Courtesy photos

Tackling why stage plays are still few compared to radio, she says that it is because they require larger investment to organise, hence, calls for the government to dedicate more revenue to the sector for it to thrive.

Nina Umutesi, a theatre actress based in Kigali, is aware that theatre is now making people expose their emotions as well as learn, hence recognising its role in healing society.

She, however, calls theatre practitioners to increase awareness and market theatre by showing how important it is and highlighting things that society needs to change.

She also urges them to produce many shows, especially stage plays, and market them as well as invite people to attend.

Aimee Ibanze, a theatre lover, says that he considers theatre a school since it ushers him from one mood to another, and challenges him to do things better.

He called for people involved in the theatre industry to love it so that they can showcase it better, declaring that those they need support from will do so depending on how good they showcase what they do.