Intara za Nyirabangana, a play that sheds light on the unity and resilience of Rwandans in the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras was showcased at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village on October 29. The play was part of the activities organised in October, a month dedicated to reflecting on the unity and resilience of Rwandans. Prepared by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and written by one of its staff, Silas Mbonimana, Intara za Nyirabangana combines traditional dances, songs and poems — all portraying different unity and resilience-related messages. It was showcased by the national ballet, Urukerereza, whose main characters, dressed in Umushanana traditional attire, dialogued in Kinyarwanda about the lifestyle of Rwandans before colonialists invaded the country and devastated the unity of its people as well as how their not yet dead unity and resilience revived it and drove it as far as it is today. The characters also urge the audience to embrace patriotism and support the leadership of the country throughout the journey of strengthening unity and resilience among Rwandans. Intara za Nyirabangana also highpoints the values and taboos that are found in the Rwandan culture and sheds light on several Kinyarwanda proverbs, idioms and riddles related to culture, lifestyle, battlefield, and kingdom, among others. The play also tackles challenges that still hinder the unity of Rwandans, including Genocide ideology and hate speech, and underscores that the two should be fought at all costs. Speaking after the play, Jean Damascene Bizimana Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement tackled why the ministry focused on unity and resilience instead of reconciliation, declaring that they are aware that 70 per cent of Rwandans are under the age of 30, weren't there during the Genocide hence don't have people to reconcile with. However, he continued. Youth tell us that they need to learn and understand the history of Rwanda and that they have scars drawn from it although they didn't play a part. We thought that every Rwandan needed to heal those scars, understand what caused them and stop being held back by them in a bid to build national unity. Bizimana also asserted that the values that are found in the Rwandan culture can help in building resilience, adding that youth should fetch good morals from them and never employ Genocide ideology or adopt bad habits like taking drugs or any immoral behaviour from foreign cultures. Intara za Nyirabangana made me understand the true meaning of patriotism and why it's so important to live well with fellow Rwandans, especially neighbours, said Placide Nteziryayo, a youth who attended the event. I also got to learn that there is a deep message behind every ritual and saying Rwandans made which compels me to gear up for patriotism and strive to contribute towards preserving unity among Rwandans. Nteziryayo also urged those in charge to organise more cultural-based entertainment activities to help youth learn more about Rwandan culture and history. Annette Kwizera, another youth who attended the event told The New Times that she fetched knowledge from the play regarding the history of Rwanda, especially how Rwandans lived in the pre-colonial era and the meaning of different Kinyarwanda adages. I also learned that having a country is precious and so one has to love it with all their heart, hence avoiding bad habits and fighting for its sovereignty, she said.
