Research Based Theatre Workshop by Carole Umulinga Karemera (Ishyo Arts Centre) (Rwanda) Within the framework of D-CAF 13th edition.

About the Workshop

This workshop aims to explore cultural projects and methods capable of building social connections and highlight interdependencies between research, creation, production, and audience experience. Participants will be introduced to various research-theatre creation methods developed by Ishyo Arts Centre and its partners in Rwanda. These include field research, script development, stage creation, presentation of tailor-made performances—ranging from intimate home-based shows to large-scale participatory formats inspired by encounters and interviews with local communities.
Date: Monday 20th to Saturday 25th of October 2025
Time: 10am to 4pm
Place:  Studio Emad Eddin – 18 Emad Eddin St.
Deadline to apply: 14 October 2025
Cost: Free, requires registration
Language: English with Arabic translation
Workshop Goals
-Share methodologies and knowledge on research based theater in Africa
-Explore script writing and dramaturgy techniques around the concept of social interdependencies
-Search for innovative staging and directing practices strengthening community bonds between the arts and diverse communities in Egypt
 

Selection Criteria

-Writers, actors, directors.
-Participants are required to have proven experience in theatre making of a minimum of three to five years.
-Full commitment to the 10 days of the workshop.About Ishyo Arts Centre

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis of Rwanda, 8 determined Rwandese women—judges, lawyers, educators, journalists, financik analysts, artists and arts lovers—came together, driven by the idea of placing arts and culture at the forfront of Rwanda’s human and economic reconstruction. In 2007, they established Ishyo Arts Centre, an establishment and “new instrument” for cultural and economic change.

Nearly two decades later, Ishyo became one of the most active cultural organisations and venues in Rwanda and the sub-region. A woman-led initiative recognised as both a “Creative Lab” and a “professional hub for artistic creation and dissemination, its mission is to make culture accessible to all. Ishyo supports and protects freedom of creation, strengthens the capacities of the creative sector’s stakeholders, produces and showcases local, regional and international talent in contemporary performing arts spaces. Its core activities include the creation, production, and dissemination of artistic works, professional training, project management, and advocacy.

Since its establishment in 2007, Ishyo has produced over 90 performances—spanning theatre, music, dance, street arts, literature–across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. It has organised 4 international festivals: Kina Festival (for young audiences), Kuya Kwetu (residencies), Home Sweet Home (home theater), and the International Francophone Book Meetings in Rwanda. Notable productions include: We Call It Love by Felwine Sarr, Murs-murs by Zainabu Jallo, Closing Argument by Mike Van Graan, Notre Maison / Les enfants d’Amazi / Little KESHO, Blind Spot by Hassiba Halabi, Paper skin by Michael Sengazi, and The Print by JM D-Hoop and Carole Karemera.

***This workshop was part of the 13th edition of D-CAF festival 2025