‘Miracle in Rwanda’ returns to NYC in April

“Miracle in Rwanda” — a play about one young woman’s remarkable survival during the Rwandan genocide 25 years ago – will be presented at the Lion Theatre at Theatre Row in Manhattan, with previews beginning April 4 prior to an official opening April 9. It was created by actress-writer-producer Leslie Lewis and director Edward Vilga.

This Off-Broadway multi-character solo show stars Rwandan actress Malaika Uwamahoro, and is directed by George Drance. “Miracle in Rwanda” is based on the true story of New York Times bestselling author of “Left to Tell,” Immaculée Ilibagiza.

“Miracle in Rwanda” depicts an uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion, chronicling the dramatic events of Rwandan genocide survivor Ilibagiza. The story is one of personal empowerment, of overcoming all obstacles through the power of faith, and ultimately finding peace of mind amidst unbelievable hardship. Often called “our generation’s Anne Frank”—yet one who thankfully survived — the true miracle of Immaculée’s story is her ability to forgive.

This engagement of “Miracle in Rwanda” coincides with the 25th anniversary of the end of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi people, when they were slaughtered by the Hutu government in power – and by their own neighbors — during the Rwandan Civil War in 1994.

“Miracle in Rwanda” will perform Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m.

On her website, Leslie Lewis shared the story of Immaculée which inspired her to develop this unique piece of theater.

“Immaculée’s family was brutally murdered during the three-month slaughter that began in April 1994. Miraculously, Immaculée managed to survive. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently and cramped together in an undiscovered extra bathroom in a local pastor’s home.

“Immaculée’s terror escalated as hundreds of machete-wielding killers searched the house repeatedly for her without success, determined to find and butcher her. Ultimately, Immaculée moves beyond intense fear and rage, to find a deeper connection to God than she ever thought possible.

“With an uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion, ‘Miracle in Rwanda’ chronicles these dramatic events through the interior life of Immaculée. The message is one of personal empowerment, of overcoming all obstacles through the power of faith, and ultimately finding peace of mind amidst unbelievable hardship. Often called “our generation’s Anne Frank”—yet one who thankfully survived—the true miracle of Immaculée’s story is her ability to forgive.”

Malaika Uwamahoro is a Rwandan actress, poet and activist. She is a graduate of Fordham University in NYC, with a BA in Theatre Studies.

George Drance has performed and directed in over 25 countries on five continents. He is Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Magis Theatre Company, praised by the New York Times for its skill and daring (Great Divorce, Shakuntala, Occupy Olympus, *mark, Calderon’s Two Dreams). He is an Artist-in-Residence at Fordham Lincoln Center, and has held several prestigious fellowships at universities nationwide.

Leslie Lewis is an actress, writer and producer best known for creating “Miracle in Rwanda,” which she has performed on five continents to over 15,000 theatergoers. She’s the author of four books, numerous articles and was nominated for an Audelco and a Jessie award for acting. She produced the feature films “With Child” and “Dead Broke” and has several other creative projects in the works, including a musical version of “Dangerous Liaisons” set during the Harlem Renaissance. She graduated from Harvard and UCLA’s School of Theater Film and Television, and is a member of Actors’ Equity, The Actors Center and the Magis Theatre Company.

Edward Vilga has had seven books published and has written and directed two feature films including “Dead Broke” (Warner Brothers DVD; Paul Sorvino, John Glover, Jill Hennessy, and Justin Theroux). Prior to co-creating “Miracle in Rwanda,” Vilga produced the Obie-winning “My Left Breast” by Susan Miller. He is a Yale graduate.

“Miracle in Rwanda” tickets are available now. Tickets range in price from $39 to $90 and can be purchased through Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com.