Memphis News: Hattiloo Theatre Welcomes Rwandan Artists for Transformative Cultural Exchange , A New Musical Is Born in Memphis
Direct Answer: Hattiloo Theatre is partnering with Rwanda's Mashariki Group to bring six Rwandan artists to Memphis for a six-week residency this fall, culminating in an original musical co-created with local performers.
Summary: Hattiloo Theatre founder Ekundayo Bandele has forged a partnership with Mashariki Group founder Senga Trésor, bringing six Rwandan artists to Memphis for a six-week residency. The artists will collaborate with local talent to develop an original musical production. The exchange marks a milestone in Hattiloo's mission to connect Black storytelling across continents.
By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose
Lesson 1: A Bridge Built on Faith and Art
Hattiloo Theatre , Memphis's acclaimed Black repertory theater , is expanding its global reach through a new partnership with the Mashariki Group and Arts Academy in Kigali, Rwanda. This fall, six Rwandan artists will travel to Overton Square for a six-week residency, working alongside Memphis performers to create an original musical.
In our walk with Christ, we are often reminded that the world is much smaller than it seems. When we look at the landscape of Memphis, we see a city built on the rhythm of the blues and the strength of a community that has weathered many storms. Halfway across the globe, in Kigali, Rwanda, there is a similar spirit of resilience and artistic fervor. This partnership is not just a business arrangement; it is a spiritual alignment of two cultures that have both known suffering and yet choose to sing.
The Vision of Ekundayo Bandele and the "Connect with Rwanda" Program
The seeds of this collaboration were sown in 2023. Founder Ekundayo Bandele spent a month in Rwanda as part of an HBCU "Connect with Rwanda" program. It was during this journey that he encountered Senga Trésor, the visionary founder of Mashariki Group. Their meeting was a "divine appointment," leading to a shared vision of blending Rwandan artistic traditions with Memphis's rich musical heritage.
"This partnership reflects Hattiloo's belief that Black stories transcend borders," Bandele said. "By bringing artists together from Rwanda and Memphis, we're creating opportunities to learn from one another while strengthening the global conversation around Black culture and storytelling."
Just as the early church grew by crossing borders and sharing the Gospel in new tongues, Hattiloo is crossing the Atlantic to ensure that the story of the African Diaspora is told with a unified voice.
Lesson 2: Harmony in the Making , The New Musical
The six artists arriving this fall will not merely be visitors; they will be co-creators. They will collaborate with Memphis actors, musicians, and dancers to develop an original musical production. This is the essence of a "new song" as mentioned in the Psalms, a creative endeavor that brings diverse people into one accord.
The Residency Framework
Duration: Six weeks in Fall 2026.
Participants: Six Rwandan artists from Mashariki Group.
Outcome: A world-premiere musical co-created with Memphis talent.
Venue: Hattiloo's newly expanded facility in Overton Square.
The show will premiere at Hattiloo’s facility, which recently underwent a $400,000 renovation. These upgrades include the "Second Stage," the "Culture Box," and the "Café Loo", spaces designed specifically to host these types of intimate and global cultural exchanges.
A Legacy of International Collaboration
This isn't Hattiloo's first international partnership. The theater has consistently positioned Memphis as a global hub for Black theater arts. Over the years, they have collaborated with theater companies from:
Milan, Italy: Exploring European perspectives on Black identity.
Johannesburg, South Africa: Connecting the struggles of the Civil Rights movement with the end of Apartheid.
Oslo, Norway: Bringing Memphis storytelling to the Scandinavian stage.
By adding Kigali, Rwanda to this list, Hattiloo continues to act as a "Restorer of the Breach" (Isaiah 58:12), healing the distance between the Motherland and the Bluff City through the power of performance.
Lesson 3: The Peacemaker’s Perspective on Cultural Exchange
In a world often fractured by political and social tension, the Christian Peacemaker strategy (Green Light) encourages us to look for common ground. The history of Rwanda is one of profound pain, yet their journey toward reconciliation and peace is a light to the entire world. Similarly, Memphis has been a site of both tragedy and triumph in the fight for human dignity.
When these artists meet on the stage at Hattiloo, they are not just performing; they are practicing peace. They are showing us that our differences, whether linguistic, cultural, or geographical, are actually the threads God uses to weave a more beautiful tapestry.
Christian Takeaway
In a world quick to divide, this partnership reminds us that we are one body. Black stories from Memphis and Rwanda reflect the same image of a Creator who delights in diverse voices making harmony together. As Galatians 3:28 reminds us, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, we are all one in Christ Jesus. When we see a Rwandan artist and a Memphis artist singing together, we are seeing a preview of the "Great Multitude" described in Revelation, where every nation, tribe, and tongue worships as one.
How to Pray/Engage
Pray for the Artists: Pray for safe travel for the six Rwandan artists and for a spirit of unity and creativity during the six-week residency.
Pray for Hattiloo’s Leadership: Pray for Ekundayo Bandele and the staff as they manage this complex international exchange.
Engage Locally: Visit Hattiloo Theatre and support their mission. Attend a show at the new Culture Box or grab a coffee at Café Loo to support the arts in our city.
Engage Globally: Learn more about the Mashariki Group and the artistic landscape of Rwanda. Consider how your own business or church might foster a global connection.
Peacemaker's Perspective
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers in the storms of life. This exchange serves as a "Green Light" for our community, a signal that Memphis is a place where global wounds can be healed through shared stories. By embracing the Rwandan artists, we are rejecting isolationism and embracing the biblical call to hospitality (Hebrews 13:2).
❓ FAQ
When will the Rwandan artists arrive in Memphis? The six-week residency is scheduled for fall 2026. Exact dates will be announced via Hattiloo's website as the season approaches.
How can I see the musical? The original production will be staged at Hattiloo Theatre (37 S. Cooper St.) upon completion of the residency. Tickets and show dates will be announced at hattiloo.org.
What is the "Culture Box" and "Café Loo"? These are new additions to the Hattiloo facility following a $400,000 renovation. The Culture Box is a flexible performance and educational space, while Café Loo offers a social environment for patrons to discuss the arts.
Has Hattiloo done this kind of exchange before? Yes. Hattiloo has established a strong history of international work, collaborating with theater companies from Italy, South Africa, and Norway.
Is this partnership connected to a specific church? While Hattiloo is a secular 501(c)(3) organization, its mission of storytelling and community building aligns deeply with Christian values of dignity and unity. Memphis News with a Purpose covers these stories from a faith-based perspective to highlight God’s hand in our city’s cultural growth.
CTA: Visit hattiloo.org to learn more about the residency and support Hattiloo's global mission. For more stories about faith and creativity in Memphis, visit www.laynemcdonald.com/blog.
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