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—Production Poster MIRACLE IN RWANDA
http://miracleinrwanda.eventbrite.com/ ‘Miracle in Rwanda’, starring Leslie Lewis Sword makes its Canadian Theatrical Premiere and Gala Opening at Vancouver Fringe Festival The play, which tells the true story of Rwandan Genocide Survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza, runs September 8-19 and September 28-Oct 3 .
Immaculée’s profound story of tragedy and triumph involves her family’s brutal murder during the three-month slaughter that began in April 1994, as nearly 1 million Tutsis were massacred by the Hutu tribe. Miraculously, Immaculée managed to survive. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in an undiscovered extra bathroom in a local pastor’s home. Immaculée’s terror escalated as hundreds of machete-wielding killers unsuccessfully searched the house repeatedly, determined to find and butcher her. Ultimately, Immaculée moved beyond intense fear and rage, to find a deeper connection to God than she ever thought possible. With an uplifting message of forgiveness and compassion, ‘Miracle in Rwanda’, written and preformed by Leslie Lewis Sword, directed by Kerry van der Griend, and based on original direction by co-creator Edward Vilga, chronicles these dramatic events through the interior life of Immaculée. The message is one of personal empowerment, of overcoming all obstacles through the power of faith, and ultimately finding peace of mind amidst unbelievable hardship. Reminiscent of Anne Frank's tragedy, the true miracle of Immaculée's story is her ability to forgive. After a New York City workshop developed by Ms. Sword and Mr. Vilga, ‘Miracle in Rwanda’ was first seen in Naples, Florida at TheatreZone, sponsored by artistic director Mark Danni. George Faison, the noted choreographer, is now a production partner. ‘Miracle in Rwanda’ is winning over critics and audiences alike, with numerous industry honors to its credit. The play has won ‘Sold Out Show’ at the Edinburgh Festival, was nominated for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression award, as well as the prestigious African-American Audelco Award. Leslie has performed the African and Asian premieres of the acclaimed solo show in India and Rwanda. These events mark over 150 performances of the show on 5 continents. Vancouver audiences will soon have the opportunity to attend this gripping performance as the world tour of ‘Miracle in Rwanda’ stops in Vancouver.
About Leslie Lewis Sword-Performer and Creator Leslie graduated from Harvard University, and received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s Department of Theater. She made her New York debut as Dorothy Dandridge in a solo show at the National Black Theater of Harlem. Other credits include co-starring with Billy Zane in the short film Starving Hysterical Naked, a biopic about the Beat Generation Writers. Most recently Leslie finished filming a leading role in Almost in Love with Alan Cummings – a love story in two takes – 45 minutes per take! She will play Isaiah Washington’s wife in the soon to be released feature film Area Q helmed by Brazilian director Gerson Sanginitto. She has also appeared in Edward Vilga’s feature films Dead Broke and Chaos Theory. Leslie is currently developing a new script with screenwriter Sophfronia Scott: Dangerous Liaisons, set during the Harlem Renaissance. Leslie also raises money for Harvard University and for the Reginald F. Lewis Maryland Museum of African American History and Culture (named after her father). Leslie, her husband and their two adopted children from Rwanda have just moved to Vancouver, Canada from Naples, Florida and NYC. Leslie Lewis Sword has been featured in prestigious media outlets around the world, including the Washington Post, the Village Voice, The British Theater Guide, and the London Times, to name a few. Now Vancouver has the wonderful opportunity to see why the press and theatregoers all over the world are raving about Leslie’s performance. "Forgiveness is genuine inspiration...Sword's one woman performance makes riveting theater." “Leslie is a visionary. By the age of six, she was already performing on TV alongside Big Bird on ‘Sesame Street’. Today, she’s still making waves in entertainment. Now it is as an actress, writer and producer.” -Jet Magazine “[Miracle in Rwanda] is an accomplishment of spellbinding intensity and undeniable grace.” -The Buffalo News When: Limited engagement- September 8th-19th, 2010
Tickets available at: http://miracleinrwanda.eventbrite.com/ Price: $10-15 for all Fringe performances, except: Tuesday, September 8th, 7 pm – Opening Night Benefit and Gala with Bestselling author SARK (www.planetsark.com) as special guest. Gala Party to follow in Kitsilano’s delightful French Quarter. *$49.50 Benefit Ticket Prices* A portion of all ticket proceeds go to the Left to Tell Foundation to benefit Rwandan orphans. *$35 for the Arts Club performances.
For more information about Leslie Lewis Sword, or Miracle in Rwanda, please visit: Leslie Lewis Sword is available for interviews and photographs upon request. Media Contact:
Lesley Diana Photo credit: Derek Van Oss
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Leslie Lewis Sword brilliantly transforms herself into a host of characters to tell the incredible story of Rwandan Genocide Survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza, (www.immaculee.com) a real-life messenger of hope. Last year, performer and writer Leslie, traveled to Rwanda with Immaculée to develop this unique piece of theater. This incredible and emotional return of Immaculée to Rwanda was the subject of a ‘60 Minutes’ segment, bringing international attention to the story of ‘Miracle in Rwanda’. 
