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Assistant Director
Theatre
Sao Paulo, Brazil: June 5-7, 2026 – learn more here!
Reykjavik, Iceland: June 11-12, 2026 – learn more here!
In Rwanda, the word for “power” is the same as the word for “drum”: "ingoma". This show features the music of a group of women who joyously, and with determination, discovered their own power – and became some of the best drummers in the world.
Ingoma! is a co-production between Volcano (Canada) and the Women Cultural Centre (Rwanda), with associate producer, Ndabaga Collective, Toronto.
In 2004, in a country still contending with extreme trauma, a group of Rwandan women broke a centuries-old taboo against women being allowed to even touch a drum. Overcoming incredible odds, Ingoma Nshya (New Drum/New Power) is now recognized as one of the most exciting drumming ensembles anywhere.
This is a concert that pays musical homage to their story. A story of overcoming. A story of using joyful disobedience to change what future girls are allowed to dream of. A story of passing a torch to a new generation the world over.
Ingoma!: A Revolution in Rhythm is a spectacular storytelling concert that features both classic and new music from across East and West Africa. Two women - one older (Kiki Katese) and one younger (Ineza Mugisha) - are the audience’s guides through an evening that features the towering talents of Ingoma Nshya, The Women Drummers of Rwanda, and the solo voice of extraordinary Rwandan Canadian singer, Ineza Mugisha.
Ingoma!: A Revolution in Rhythm is being jointly produced by the Woman Cultural Centre (Rwanda) and Volcano (Canada). It is written by multiple award-winning Rwandan writer, performer, and founder of Ingoma Nshya, Odile Gakire “Kiki” Katese, with direction and co-creation by Canadian Theatre Director Ross Manson, and music composition by the women drummers of Ingoma Nshya.
It is a follow-up to their previous collaboration and global hit, The Book of Life (Edinburgh International Festival, Spoleto USA Festival, Ubumuntu Festival Kigali; Canadian Stage Co. Toronto; and 6-city tour of the USA).
THE DESIGN
The live performance onstage will be accompanied by a projection design of beautiful hand-cut, hand-animated shadow imagery, crafted by acclaimed Canadian papercut artist Kristine White, assisted by Rwandan Aurore Katese.
Set and costumes are being created with traditional Rwandan textiles and methods to achieve a blend of both ancient and ultra-modern - a reflection of the design trends present today across East Africa. Lighting and scenic design leads are longtime Volcano collaborators, Patrick Lavender and Kaitlin Hickey.
Ingoma Nshya (Women Drummer Company of Rwanda)
Ingabire Rose
Kamariza Mediatrice
Mukamugema Chantal
Mukanyandwi Claudine
Mukeshimana Alphonsine
Mushimiyimana Marguerite
Uwamariya Clementine
Uwintije Clementine
Uwizerwa Noella
Ross Manson | Director, Co-Creator, Co-Dramaturge
Odile Gakire Katese | Writer, Performer, Co-creator
Kaitlin Hickey | Set Design
Aurore Katese | Interpreter, Puppeteer
Patrick Lavender | Producer, Production Manager, Lighting Design
Ineza Mugisha | Performer, Project Advisor, Workshop Music Director
Ludmylla Reis | Company Manager
Neha Ross | Stage Manager
Almut Wagner | Co-Dramaturge
Kristine White | Projection Designer, Shadow Puppet Creation, Puppeteer
Abigail Whitney | Assistant Director, Assistant Dramaturge
Nyabyenda Kwizera Samuel | Choreographic Consultant
Ryan Wilson | Technical Director
