Ingoma! A Revolution in Rhythm

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

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

Post-Show Talks

Supported by Canada Council of Arts and Ontario Arts Council

Programme

Performed in English with songs in Kinyarwanda

Cast & Credits

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Performed by
Ingabire Rose
Odile Gakire ‘Kiki’ Katese
Katese, Gakire Odile (Kiki)
Kamariza Médiatrice
Mugisha Ineza
Mukamugema Chantal
Mukanyandwi Claudine
Mukeshimana Alphonsine
Mushimiyimana Margeurite
Uwamariya Clémentine
Uwintije Clémentine
Uwizerwa Marie Noella

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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