Four artists have travelled to the United States for a month-long training programme aimed at strengthening their skills in theatre and film and deepening artistic ties between the two countries.
The group left Kigali International Airport late on Friday, Oct. 2, for the programme organised by Mashariki Arts Academy in partnership with Hattiloo Theatre in the United States.
The initiative is intended to build a relationship that extends beyond the training, with organisers seeking to create opportunities for continued collaboration between Rwandan and U.S. artists and theatre practitioners.
The participants are Emmanuel Mugisha, popularly known as Clapton Kibonge, an artist and student at Mashariki Arts Academy; Simon Iyarwema, an arts and film professional involved in cultural projects, casting and event production; actress Nahimana Clémence, known as Feruje na Shenge; and guitarist Shyaka A.P. Adolphe.
During the programme, the four artists will receive practical training in different aspects of developing and producing artistic works. They are expected to share the skills and knowledge they gain with other theatre practitioners in Rwanda.
Kibonge said the programme would allow him to strengthen his existing skills while creating an opportunity to pass the knowledge on to artists who did not have the chance to attend the training.
“I am confident that the knowledge I gain will have to be shared with others who did not have the opportunity to study it,” he said. “Talent is very important, but it also requires knowledge.”
Feruje said the participants also planned to showcase their own work and experience during the programme.
“We are ready to learn, even though this is an industry we already work in, but we are also ready to showcase what we do,” she said.
She said the partnership could continue through reciprocal exchanges, with U.S. artists potentially travelling to Rwanda to present and work on their productions.
The organisers said they hope the partnership between Mashariki Arts Academy and Hattiloo Theatre will continue after the month-long training, allowing artists from Rwanda and the United States to collaborate on theatre and other artistic projects.
The programme is part of efforts to strengthen the professional capacity of Rwandan artists and promote knowledge and skills exchange with international arts institutions.
