The impact of local theatre on society

“The outreach done by local theatre groups, especially in villages where people don’t easily access information, helps to change their lives.”Arthur Nkusi “People come to me with comments about what I wrote because they are interested. We don’t focus on a certain group of people but we tackle all sectors of life and all ages.”Kubwimana Saraphina “Personally, I don’t often listen to the plays but the few times I have managed to do so, I have appreciated how theatre teaches people to live in harmony with their neighbours regardless of their past.” Stanisla Songa “I believe my role in Urunana has helped many people. I have a particular neighbour who says that my character has changed her life in many ways because she believes I act her day to day life.”Dorcela Nyirabagande aka Raguida “I play the role of a housemaid who is sexually involved with several men for money and gifts. As a result, my character contracts an STD and has to deal with its effects. This message is mostly directed to the youth who need to change their lifestyles because they get caught up in cycles of sexually transmitted diseases because of bad choices.”Pacifique Mukaseti, aka Yvonne “Drama can change the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, especially in villages where some people think sharing a house with an infected person will get them infected too. I hope that through my acting role, I can change the way people think.”Zulpha Manzi, aka Makurata (Immaculate)