A real-life messenger of hope

She’s been called this generation’s Anne Frank. Actress Leslie Lewis Sword will bring the story of Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagiza to life in her one-woman show, Miracle in Rwanda, Tuesday and Wednesday in Gundlach Theatre.

 

The dramatic production is based on Immaculee’s best-selling book, Left to Tell. Her family was brutally murdered during the three-month slaughter that began in April 1994. Miraculously, Immaculee managed to survive. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently and cramped together in an undisclosed extra bathroom in a local pastor’s home.

 

Her terror escalated as hundreds of machete-wielding killers repeatedly searched the house for her, without success. Ultimately, she moves beyond intense fear and rage, to find a deeper connection to God than she ever thought possible.

 

With its uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion, in Miracle in Rwanda, Sword chronicles these dramatic events through the interior life of Immaculee. The two traveled to Rwanda to develop this unique piece of theatre.

 

The production’s message is one of personal empowerment, of overcoming all obstacles through the power of faith and ultimately finding peace amidst unbelievable hardship. The true miracle of Immaculee’s story is her ability to forgive.

 

Sword made her New York debut as Dorothy Dandridge in a solo show at the National Black Theatre of Harlem. She graduated from Harvard University and received her master’s degree in acting from UCLA, where she and Chris Tucci, Heidelberg’s director of theatre, met and became friends.

 

As part of the evening, charitable organizations will have booths set up near the theatre. Participants will be able to create traditional African jewelry to benefit HOPE Worldwide, which operates orphanages and hospitals, and provides education and disaster relief.

 

Heidelberg’s Black Student Union will distribute information about Immaculee’s Orphans of Rwanda. A portion of the ticket sales also will benefit the organization.

 

Tickets for Miracle in Rwanda are $5 for adults, $4 for students and senior citizens, and free for Heidelberg students and faculty. They are available at the door.

 

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