A group of women with vibrantly coloured hair stand in a row holding up drumsticks

CANCELLED: Ingoma! A Revolution in Rhythm

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

CANCELLED: Ingoma! A Revolution in Rhythm

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the producers of Ingoma! have informed us that this production cannot go ahead this year and as a consequence it will not be performed at the Festival.

Kiki Katese returns to the Festival with her groundbreaking Rwandan women’s drumming group for a joyful performance of music and stories. 

In Rwanda, ‘power’ and ‘drum’ are the same word: ingoma. In 2004, a group of women, seeking to heal after a genocide, made a revolutionary choice. They broke a centuries-old taboo and formed Ingoma Nshya (New Power/ New Drum) – the first all-women drumming ensemble in Rwandan history.  

This is their story – a joyous narrative concert featuring an electrifying collection of rhythms, songs and dances from both West and East Africa – some traditional, some brand new.

Following Katese’s inspirational The Book of Life (2022 International Festival), this performance delivers its message through music: that discrimination cannot stand in the face of joyful determination. 

0 Stars

A symbol of resilience and hope

The Guardian on The Book of Life

Supported by

with additional support from Canada Council of Arts and Ontario Arts Council

Programme

Performed in English with songs in Kinyarwanda 

Cast & Credits

CastCloseOpen
  • Performed by
    Rose Ingabire
    Odile Gakire ‘Kiki’ Katese
    Médiatrice Kamariza
    Ineza Mugisha
    Chantal Mukamugema
    Claudine Mukanyandwi
    Alphonsine Mukeshimana
    Margeurite Mushimiyimana
    Clémentine Uwamariya
    ClémentineUwintije
    Noella Marie Uwizerwa
Creative TeamCloseOpen
  • Volcano (Canada)
    Woman Cultural Centre (Rwanda)
  • Odile Gakire ‘Kiki’ Katese
    Writer, Performer & Co-Creator
  • Ross Manson
    Director, Dramaturg & Co-Creator
  • Kristine White
    Projection Designer, Shadow Puppet Creator & Puppeteer
  • Aurore Katese 
    Shadow Puppeteer & Interpreter
  • Kaitlin Hickey
    Set Designer
  • Patrick Lavender
    Lighting Designer & Production Manager
  • Abigail Whitney
    Assistant Director
CreditsCloseOpen
  • Commissioned by Edinburgh International Festival; ArtsEmerson, Boston; University of Georgia Performing Arts Center; Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC); & Luminato Festival Toronto.

    Associate Producer: Ndabaga Collective
    Tour support from the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts
    Project Development support from Residenztheater, Munich; BMO
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