A new theatre play, "Hate Radio," shedding light on the role of the hate Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda will be performed live in Huye and Kigali in early April.
Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) was an extremist radio set up and financed by hard-line extremists. Described by scholars as having been a de facto arm of the genocidal government, it played a significant role in inciting the massacres that took place from April to July 1994. Its programmes called on the public to hunt and kill all the Tutsi in Rwanda during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The play will be showcased at the University of Rwanda's Huye Campus on April 4 and 5, with gates opening at 2pm and the show starting at 5pm. It will also be performed live at the Kigali Convention Center from April 8 to 10, with gates opening at 5pm and the show starting at 7pm.
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Speaking to The New Times, one of the play&039;s characters, Diogene Ntarindwa, known as Atome, emphasized that RTLM used special programs that combined sophisticated propaganda with trendy music and humour to mobilize and sensitize the population, particularly the youth, to adhere to the ideology that led to the Genocide.
Ntarindwa explained that the play's purpose is not only to expose the danger of hate speech. It is also to educate people around the world, young and old alike, about Rwanda's dark history while promoting peace and unity among societies and nations. The play aims to confront the destructive nature of hate speech and promote understanding, empathy, and healing.
Ntarindwa highlighted the timely nature of showcasing "Hate Radio" in Africa, particularly in Rwanda.
The region has witnessed an alarming surge of hate speeches, particularly targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking people in eastern DR Congo. By showcasing the play in Rwanda, the creators hope to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech and promote a culture of peace and tolerance in the region.
"It is an opportunity to sensitize people here and the international community that this is a very serious issue, especially for us as Rwandans and for the youth who were too young to have direct testimonies from the story. It's important to allow them to see what happened in order to equip them more to fight this kind of ideology," he said.
After each performance of the play, there will be a debate, giving people the opportunity to ask questions about the play, its artistic process, history, and other related topics. Experts will be present to help answer these questions and provide insights into issues raised in the play.
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Asked about why theatre is not as popular in Rwanda, Ntarindwa explained that it is a technically demanding and innovative art form, which can limit local practitioners&039; ability to produce high-quality works.
The performance of "Hate Radio" presents an opportunity for local practitioners to witness how professionals produce exceptional work, he noted.
Ntarindwa also said that the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Education (MINUBUMWE) has partnered with the creators to showcase "Hate Radio" in Rwanda as part of the official calendar of the 29th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The play will be performed in French, Kinyarwanda, and English, making it accessible to a wide audience. People can register to attend the theatre play through this link.
"Hate Radio" has been performed more than 340 times in 40 countries, sparking discussions about Rwanda&039;s history and ways to prevent similar tragedies caused by hate speech on radio stations from happening again.
The concept, text, and direction of the play are the work of Milo Rau Dramaturgy, with Jens Diethrich producing. The live cast includes Sebastien Foucault, Diogéne Ntarindwa (Atome), Bwanga Pilipili, and Eric Ngangare. Mascha Euchner-Martine and Milena Kipfmuller serve as assistant directors.