We sat down with Natasha Bain, playing Agathe Uwilingiyimana.
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.
What aspects of Agathe Uwilingiyimana’s character resonate with you personally?
Agathe’s moral judgements are the characteristics that resonate with me on a personal level. Her sense of justice, fairness and her profound resilience. No doubt bolstered by her Catholic faith.
Agathe’s story involves immense bravery and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. How do you prepare emotionally to embody such a complex and courageous figure?
I think the way in to such a character who embodies such bravery and resilience is to understand why she behaved in that way. To investigate her Catholic faith, and then try to inhabit that moral code and imagine what it would be like to be a person whose strength is not theirs alone but supported by God. The emotional connection comes more from empathy for her choices.
How do you work to ensure her voice and story are given the prominence they deserve in your performance?
The writer is the one who brings the story to the page. I take those words and try to give the best and most honest performance I can.
Can you share any insights into the physical and vocal aspects of embodying Agathe on stage?
I have not attempted to mimic Agathe in any way. There is not enough documented evidence of either her voice or her image to accurately portray her and regardless, our tones of voice is very different, our physicalities are different. I would say that my performance is more suggestive of the energy which I think best inhabits her spirit.
How do you approach the responsibility of portraying a real-life figure, especially one so deeply connected to a tragic chapter in history?
Of course I’ve researched the recent history of Rwanda and try to understand all the elements that led to the specific event our play AGATHE portrays. In particular, the play focuses on the last few hours and days of Agathe’s life. However, there has been some artistic licence taken with the story that is important to mention. There is a responsibility with every role you play. But unless you are recreating the person’s physical likeness, and vocal intonations which we do not do with any of these real characters we are playing, you are seeking to communicate the heart, the facts, and the spirit of the piece.
In what ways has preparing for and performing this role deepened your understanding of the Rwandan genocide and its impact on individuals like Agathe?
It has deepened my knowledge of Agathe Uwilingiyimana. I had no previous knowledge of Agathe’s significance in Rwanda’s history. It has also enlightened me to many of the other essential figures in the Rwandan genocide and the sacrifices these individuals made to save lives.
Agathe’s leadership during a time of crisis showcased her strength and resilience. If Agathe were to give advice to young leaders facing challenges today, what words of wisdom do you think she would offer?
Let’s be honest, there are few ‘young leaders’ in our country. She’d be best to offer advice to the leaders who control the levers of power now. Most are old enough to do better! Perhaps she’d say something like ‘Do unto others as you would have done unto you.’ ‘Speak out against hate, stand for peace, justice and equality for all and do not falter in the face of your enemies, even though they seek to destroy you.’
What message or takeaway do you hope audiences will receive from the play?
I will leave that to the audience to decide. From my perspective, there isn’t one message in this play. There is only the life of an extremely courageous woman, making a choice to save those she loved and trying to do the right thing for humanity. I ask for more like her in the world please!
Agathe will play at Playground Theatre from 17th April – 4th May. Tickets here: https://www.theplaygroundtheatre.org.uk/projects/agathe-by-angela-davis