Umunyinya ASBL, through its company Umunyinya Theatre Company, has been promoting the creation of content and performances for young audiences in Burundi since 2018. With the support of Ishyo Arts Centre and the French Embassy in Burundi, through the Institut Français, Umunyinya launched the DIRIDIRI festival, the first festival in Burundi dedicated to the creation of content and performances for young audiences, held every two years. Although young, our festival wants to become one of the great spaces for reflection and a hub for creation of contents and shows for young audiences in Africa. We are convinced that art and culture are an essential source of education, the development of humanity and the promotion of critical thinking and creativity.
Following a first successful edition focused on environmental issues that gathered around 1000 theatre lovers, we are pleased to announce that the second edition of the festival will continue with the same theme. Over the past five years, Burundi has experienced significant climate irregularities, leading to major destruction and displacement of populations. The issue of climate change remains at the center of discussions both in Burundi and worldwide.
In this context, Umunyinya invites artists focusing on young audiences to submit their applications for the 2nd edition of the DIRIDIRI festival, which will take place in Bujumbura from September 24 to 27, 2025 through this link. The festival is open to all companies, both national and international, wishing to participate. However, international companies will be required to cover their own international transport costs, and no performance fees will be provided.
The deadline for application submissions is June 2nd, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Bujumbura time).
For more information or if you would like to suggest a workshop or masterclass, please write to Samuel Nibimpa samuelnibimpa@gmail.com and copy Audace Ndabahawe ndabahawea@gmail.com .
Diridiri Festival invites you to its second edition in Bujumbura from September 24-27, 2025. We welcome theatre, puppetry, installations, and performances for children aged 4-16, as well as workshops that support theatre for young audiences in Burundi.
