Empowered Actress Leslie Lewis Sword Stars
By Ariadne Sawyer, MA, reporter for the Afro News,Miracle in Rwanda, the true story of the genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza, (www.immaculee.com )will be performed by the remarkable actress and creator Leslie Lewis Sword. It is directed by Kerry van der Griend, and based on original direction by co-creator Edward Vilga.
This will be the first time in Canada for this remarkable show which features Leslie playing many different characters. The event marks over 150 performances of the show on 5 continents.
Vancouver audiences can attend this powerful performance during the world tour of ‘Miracle in Rwanda’ at the Canadian Theatrical Premiere and Gala Opening at Vancouver Fringe Festival, September 8th – 19th and September 28th-Oct 3rd , September 8th- 19th, 2010, Pacific Theatre Company,1440 W. 12th Ave and Sept 28th–October 3rd at the Arts Club Revue stage.
The fascinating play looks at the life of Immaculée Ilibagiza, who spent 91 days in hiding along with 7 other women in the bathroom of a pastor during the 1991 Rwanda Genocide. For 91 one days, she spent her time praying and teaching herself English with the help of a Bible and a dictionary. She learned to forgive her tormentors and the killers of some of her family. Aptly performed by Leslie, the performance shows us the dramatic choices Immaculée made. The choice of forgiveness instead of hate and the message that we can live life as our “better selves” is an good example for us all.
Please come out and support this play with its strong message of hope and compassion. We live in a world overwhelmed by violence and negative images from all sides. This is an rare opportunity to enjoy a positive message and a transformational story.
Leslie Lewis Sword has recently moved with her family to the Vancouver.
On behalf of the Afro News and the cultural community of Vancouver including World Poetry, we would like to welcome her. She is indeed an empowered woman.
We would also like to tell Leslie that we are greatly enriched by her presence and talent in the Lower Mainland and look forward to seeing her in other productions.
By Ariadne Sawyer, MA, reporter for the Afro News, www.ariadnescoaching.com or ariadnes@uniserve.com
