From September 23 to 27, the city of Bujumbura came alive with laughter, applause, and stories that spoke straight to the hearts of children and families. The Diridiri Festival, initiated and organised by Umunyinya asbl in strict collaboration with ASSITEJ Burundi, held its second edition this year, and once again, it proved how powerful theatre can be in shaping the minds and souls of young audiences.
The opening performance, “Kabeba”, set the tone for the festival. Directed by the experienced Belgian theatre-maker Bernard Chemin and performed by Umunyinya’s artists, the play tells the story of a little mouse which had lost its laughter, only to rediscover it thanks to the unlikely help of a crocodile named Gustave. Behind the humor and playful characters lay an important message about environmental awareness and the importance of caring for our surroundings. Children laughed, gasped, and leaned forward in their seats, their joy visible, their curiosity awakened.
Other productions followed with equal charm and depth. “Le Royaume de Ryangombe” performed by Abasamandari, member of Assitej Burundi was a captivating performance, combining giant and small puppets, using traditional Burundian stories, music, and dance to transmit the nation’s cultural heritage to children while promoting resilience, inclusion, and intergenerational identity. “The Magic of Memories”, a solo performed by Kim Kiwi, blended humor, magic, and direct audience participation to teach children about resilience and the power of remembering. The moving play “Ashura” by Marc Mulindwa invited audiences into an intimate reflection on everyday struggles, carried with creativity and energy. Every show like “Enfance en contes”, “Cher Journal”, etc. reminded audiences, young and old alike, that theatre has the rare ability to educate through emotion.
A festival of encounters and shared knowledge
Diridiri was also a place of exchange, where knowledge and inspiration flowed. Léon Zongo Kiswendsida, a storytelle from France & Burkina Faso led a masterclass, generously transmitting his art of storytelling to a new generation of performers. Debates and discussions, such as “The role of art in the socio-economic empowerment of youth,” allowed young people, artists, and cultural actors to reflect together on the transformative power of creativity.
Besides, the KinaDI Studio Lab, Umunyinya’s incubator for young creators, presented the work of its first cohort, showing how training and mentorship can empower local voices to tell their own stories. Parents, teachers, artists and cultural enthusiasts all gathered to celebrate creativity and to witness how art can bring people together across generations.
Another seed planted for the future
For many children, Diridiri was their very first experience of live theatre. Teachers from schools such as Les Petits Trésors and Saint Mary’s School testified to the impact of the festival: children returned to class inspired, more expressive, and eager to share what they had seen. Parents, too, expressed gratitude, emphasizing how valuable such moments of joy and learning are for family life.
Diridiri is more than a festival. It is a seed planted in the hearts of children, a seed of creativity, empathy, and hope. With every laugh, every story, and every shared moment, this seed grows stronger. And if the vision of Umunyinya asbl and its partners continues to flourish, there is no doubt that Diridiri will become a landmark not only in Burundi’s cultural life but also in the global movement for theatre for young audiences.
Launched in 2023, Diridiri is a biennial festival born from a unique alliance between artists and psychologists united within Umunyinya asbl. Their shared vision is clear: to create spaces where children can grow, learn, and heal through the power of art. As a founding member of ASSITEJ Burundi, Umunyinya places the well-being of children and women at the heart of its mission, using theatre not only as entertainment but as a tool of education, dialogue, and social cohesion.
This second edition was made possible thanks to the support of faithful partners: the Institut Français du Burundi and the French Embassy, who already backed the first edition in 2023, were again present alongside the Swiss Cooperation in the Great Lakes region. International artistic collaboration also enriched the program, with the Théâtre du Papyrus (Belgium) bringing their expertise and experience in theatre for young audiences.
Such partnerships underline the importance of investing in cultural initiatives that not only entertain but also educate, empower, and strengthen social cohesion.
