“Generation 25”, a play by renowned Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company was performed over the weekend at the World Culture Festival Karachi 2024 which is underway in Pakistan. The festival, taking place at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi from September 26 to October 30, aims to showcase the best talent in music, theatre, dance, and fine arts. It features over 450 artists from more than 40 countries including Rwanda. Mashirika’s performing artists used the platform to present Rwanda’s journey of healing and transformation via their play Generation 25 (G25) which centers around breaking the silence 30 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, an atrocity that claimed over 1 million lives of innocent Tutsi. ALSO READ: Art has the power to construct or dismantle societies- Andy Bumuntu Written and directed by Hope Azeda and Yannick Kamanzi, the play was first premiered on April 12, 2019, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial preceding the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It has since captivated audiences worldwide, carrying Rwanda’s message of reconciliation and hope to the international stage. Its story reflects the emergence of a new generation of youth born 25 years after the genocide. This generation seeks reconciliation, hope, and freedom despite the weight of Rwanda’s infamous tragedy. It also encourages dialogue, not just within their generation but also across generations worldwide, reflecting on how they continue to confront both past trauma and the many social challenges they face in their daily lives. ALSO READ: Minister Umutoni discusses role of arts in Rwanda’s economic transformation Theatre director Azeda describes “Generation 25” as “a legacy letter from one generation to the next,” offering a deeply personal and universal message of resilience. “It’s been a massive success here at Karachi. I was amazed about how a story from Rwanda connected, inspired and uplifted people here in Pakistan. The country has an insane background historically but seeing another country with courage to lead, face the truth and encourage young people to move in a positive direction was just amazing. Generation 25 really planted a seed of peace,” Azeda told The New Times. “This reflects the power of the arts – the power to change misconceptions, particularly about Rwanda’s history.” Among the Rwandan artistes who performed included Peace Jolis, Serge Gasasira Rugamba, Della Dube, Emmanuel Iyamuremye, Lydia, and others. Each artist had three minutes to perform a song promoting peace and humanity. Azeda said that, after Pakistan, Generation 25 will shift its stage in France at the Renaissance Theater on October 18 and 19, bringing its message to European audiences.
