“Next thing you know, I'm being tried for war crimes. Makes me laugh. If war is a crime why do we keep having them?”
—The Monument, by Colleen Wagner

The Monument

Our First Project

Colleen Wagner's award-winning critically-acclaimed drama The Monument has been produced to great success globally. It received its African Premiere with ISÔKO in Butare, Rwanda on July 4th 2008, Liberation Day, with Jaqueline Umubyeyi, Jean Paul Uwayezu, Solange Umuhire and Sonia Uwimbabazi, in the Kinyarwandan translation by Emmanuel Munyarukumbuzi and Anselme Nirere, in partnership with the National University, directed by Jennifer H. Capraru.

A lively discussion follows performances, and workshops are available for groups. Powerful feedback and packed attendance continues to confirm a strong need in Rwanda for professional theatre which entertains, while stimulating dialogue on the challenges inherent in reconciliation and forgiveness. Please contact us for upcoming dates or to join our mailing list.

Activities to Date

• The Monument toured to Kigali, Butare, Gitarama, Cyangugu, Ruhengeri, Gysenyi and Kibuye.
• Two Rwandan writers were commissioned to translate the text into Kinyarwanda. A play must be accessible; not performed solely in the languages of the colonials.
• Members of the creative team have trained an apprentice. Young people received hands-on experience providing them with theatre skills, experience currently limited in Rwanda.
• Most performances are pay-what-you-can. Therefore no member of society need miss our production, as art should never be a luxury.
• Our production continues to raise awareness around issues of gender-based violence and women's rights.
• Gala Performances took place in September 2008 at the Serena Hotel for government officials, NGO's, and members of the cultural and academic communities.