About the Show

"Miracle in Rwanda" chronicles the dramatic events of Immaculée Ilibagiza during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

In April 1994 in Rwanda, an extremist militia of Hutu tribesmen began a brutal, widespread effort to exterminate all members of the Tutsi minority tribe. A Catholic young woman named Immaculee went into hiding, armed only with the rosary her father gave her.

While marauders searched for her, she made a decision to pray using the beads her father gave her, transforming her heart and mind, so that in the midst of this holocaust, she found the core divinity within her, the place that no killer can eradicate.

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.

Critic Reviews (7)

"The one-woman show 'Miracle in Rwanda' relates the true-life experiences of Immaculée Ilibagiza. As a young woman, she survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda by hiding for more than three months in a 3x4 foot bathroom along with five-and, eventually, seven-other human beings: all women and girls. The play uses the tag line 'An Inspirational True Story of Hope and Forgiveness,' but how much inspiration can be gleaned from such a horrific story?"
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"'Not particularly dramatic. Even a potentially heart-rending scene when Imaculée reads a log of the dead is deadened by its soporific pacing…The historical revelation of monstrous inhumanity does not automatically guarantee strong drama…The play is very well acted by Uwamahoro…A tortoise-like pace, interminable pauses, and actionless scenes help what might have been a potent piece about Rwanda become a sleepy sojourn in Yawnda."
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“’Miracle in Rwanda’ is not a story about the atrocities, fear, the horrors of bloodlust and revenge. It is a story about unquantifiable, unfathomable forgiveness...Uwamahoro, tells the story through movement, strong characterizations, and an open heart. She is wonderfully priceless...The direction slows the piece down and the unnecessary blackouts hinder the flow of this horrifically beautiful story...But please don’t let that keep you from experiencing ‘Miracle in Rwanda’.”
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“A true story and gruesome tale of fear, loss, ethnicide, and inhumanity...’Miracle In Rwanda’ is a must-see because it makes you re-analyze what is hope and bravery...This tale is brutal in context but regal in essence. As Maleika transforms her body...you are transfixed by the actress’ ability to become a completely different human being, but one that is connected in changing her character’s life forever...Its religious subtext is a driving force in amplifying that the human spirit is supernatural.”
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"As Immaculée, actress Malaika Uwamahoro beautifully demonstrates the young woman's inner strength, along with a sweet boldness that serves her well during this terrible time. Uwamahoro plays many other characters as well...As much as a I love a short runtime, this was a case where I wouldn't have minded a little more length, particularly to get a bit more insight into how Immaculée and the others endured the physical and psychological strain."
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“This one person play brings light to the dark...Uwamahoro’s portrayal is sensitive, heartfelt and inspiring...Her performance shows us the journey to redemption from this awful chapter of human history...Transitions are smooth and have a flow...This is a show for anyone who has ever lost their faith. What is so amazing is this play shows how despite such a huge amount of pain from both sides peace can be had and humanity can forgive and start anew.”
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"Uwamahoro’s brilliant portrayal of numerous people...'Miracle in Rwanda' focuses less on the history and politics of the conflict and more on how Ilibagiza found the strength and compassion to absolve her tormentors...Ilibagiza’s grace and resilience is inspiring...A more comprehensive frame would illuminate this shameful chapter in world history and elevate 'Miracle in Rwanda' from a story of individual transcendence to something deeper."
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