APA - London (United Kingdom) A Rwandan theatre company, ’Mashirika’, has rolled out activities launching a UK tour of its latest production; Africa’s Hope, which features survivors and refugees of the African nation’s 1994 genocide.

Under the tour, sponsored by the British anti-genocide campaign group, ‘The Aegis Trust, in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines’, the play tackles the implications and consequences of prejudice, discrimination and genocide, while displaying how Rwandans are working to rebuild their country.

The United Kingdom Labour MP and International Development minister Gillian Merron, on Wednesday threw more light on the foundation of “Mashirika, which he explained was founded out of the ashes of genocide and uses performance to challenge the dangers of racism and intolerance.

“Mashirika gives us more than a performance. These young people tell an inspiring story of survival and hope”, he pointed out.

Africa’s Hope will premiere on September 18 at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot in Wales, before travelling to other regions of England, including London, Leeds, Glasgow, Taunton and Nottingham.

Between performances, the cast and creative team will work with schools and community groups to promote diversity and social cohesion within communities.

Cast member Simon Iyarwema added: “Through dance, we help to communicate to the world what happened in Rwanda.

“I am very happy to visit the UK and use theatre to communicate the message that genocide happened and is still happening today in other parts of the world.”