Agathe

Marking 30 years since the 1994 genocide against Tutsi people in Rwanda, Agathe tells the true story of the extraordinary woman 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 a Chemistry professor and advocate for women and girls’ education, Agathe Uwilingiyimana. When a plane crashes and takes the life of African president, Juvena 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. Angela J. Davis’s play brings Agathe’s silenced story to light as a beacon for our times and an overlooked woman in history.