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Natasha Bain plays Chemistry Professor and politician in theatre play AGATHE
Jordon Kemp as UN peacekeeper in theatre play AGATHE
Matthew Faucher as Radio Announcer in theatre play AGATHE
Marking 30 years since the 1994 genocide against Tutsi people in Rwanda, AGATHE is inspired by the true story of the extraordinary woman, a Chemistry Professor and peace advocate who became Rwanda’s head of state for less than a day.
Created through extensive research including first-hand accounts from witnesses and survivors of the genocide, Angela J. Davis’s new play explores the life of the University professor and advocate for women and girls’ education, Agathe Uwilingiyimana.
When a plane crashes and takes the life of African president, Juvénal Habyarimana, it ignites a killing spree that the world will later recognize as the 1994 genocide against Tutsi people in Rwanda. Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, the first and so far only woman to hold the role, becomes the next in line for the country’s presidency but just 14 hours later Agathe is assassinated.
A beacon for our times, her silenced story and brave spirit are brought to life in this unique play, inspired by true but forgotten world history.
Produced by Raminder Kaur, Sohaya Visions and Mukul and Ghetto Tigers and engaging Sussex Alumni Sol Carroll as photographer and filmmaker (to include post-show panel with experts - email rk39@sussex.ac.uk for details)
Bookings on websites including student discounts on Thursdays
April 17-May 4 in London www.theplaygroundtheatre.org.uk/projects/agathe-by-angela-j.-davis
April 30 and May 1 in Croydon https://stanleyarts.org/series/agathe/
AGATHE was a top-four finalist for the prestigious Jane Chambers Award and received several other honours including the Henley Rose Award, Landing Theatre New American Voices Award, SETC Getchell Award, and RAFTA Audience Selection. AGATHE was developed as an official selection for the Orlando Shakes [formerly “Orlando Shakespeare Festival”] Playfest, the Road Theatre Company Summer Playwrights Festival, and the Playhouse on the Square New Works Festival.
‘A stunning script. I had never before heard of Agathe. Now I will never forget her.’ (Stephen Tobolowsky)
‘This taut, moving new play is inspired by the real-life heroism of Agathe Uwilingiyimana. . . .Judges commended the play’s vivid cast of characters, its multi-faceted human window on virulent social violence, and its introduction for international audiences to Agathe’s African feminist legacy.’ (Jane Chambers Award Judges Curation Notes)
‘Prescient and powerful, this play uses language confidently and accessibly. Though this is about another place and time, one cannot help but see in Davis's work, parallels to our current extremism, and the strength and courage of anyone who defies it.’ (Rachael Carnes)
‘A richly conceived, harrowing, compelling play. More than a clear portrait of a courageous woman --though it is certainly that— it creates a sense that, even in the worst of times, there can be a possibility of goodness and nobility.’ (John Minigan)
Agathe R&D, 2023: 'Agathe provokes, entertains and educates all at the same time, making for an unforgettable evening.' (World Visuals and Beyond)
‘The play does an outstanding job of shining a light on the often-overlooked heroes of history.’ (Audience feedback)