Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and Prime Stage Theatre present 'Miracle in Rwanda'

To commemorate Genocide Awareness Month, the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and Prime Stage Theatre are teaming up to present an original production of the play “Miracle in Rwanda.”

Saturday’s opening night features a livestreaming performance followed by recorded performances from April 16-26.

The play is based on the life of New York Times best-selling author of “Left to Tell,” Immaculee IIibagiza. In the spring of 1994, IIibagiza, a 24-year-old woman, hid in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for 91 days, surviving the Genocide Against the Tutsis, an onslaught of rape and murder that overcame Rwanda. Over 1 million people died during a 100-day period from April 7 through July 4 of that year.

Acclaimed Rwandan actor, singer, poet and social justice activist Malaika Uwamahoro stars in the production of the one-woman play. It is directed by Steven Wilson.

“The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh has worked with Prime Stage Theatre for many years to harness the power of theater to bring to life stories of resilience and hope from the Holocaust, and in April 2021, from a survivor of the Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda,” said Lauren Bairnsfather, director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.

“We are grateful for this partnership as we observe Memorial Day for the genocide in Rwanda and Yom HaShoah to remember the martyrs, survivors, liberators, and rescuers from the Holocaust.”

The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda was a systematic campaign by the ethnic majority Hutus aimed at wiping out every member of the minority Tutsis.

“The true story of “Miracle in Rwanda” for Genocide Awareness Month in April enables the partnership between Prime Stage Theatre and The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh to enlighten, educate and inspire more people of all ages with this story of survival, hope and faith,” said Wayne Brinda, Prime Stage Theatre Producing Artistic Director.

Saturday’s opening night performance begins at 8 p.m. and features a talkback after the performance hosted by Bairnsfather.

To register for the event, go to https://hcofpgh.org/rwanda.