A week of wonder, encounters, and learning during the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering ‘Bright Generations’, in Marseille. An artistic immersion that nourished, inspired, and propelled me even further in my dreams for theatre in Burundi.
by Rivardo Niyonizigiye, Bujumbura
Imagine! I, Rivardo, a young artist and dreamer from Burundi, immersed in a global event where voices from Australia, Ghana, Scandinavia, Reunion Island, Cuba, France, Nigeria, Taiwan, Canada, Rwanda, South Africa, Ukraine, Brazil, and more came together. A constellation of passionate souls united by one love: theatre for young audiences.
ASSITEJ International’s ‘Bright Generations’ New Voices programme was much more than a workshop or a simple residency. A week that felt like just a few fleeting moments, but whose fruits will last forever. It was a human encounter, a laboratory of ideas, a ground for shared dreams. A golden opportunity offered by the purest kind of generosity: love, collaboration, and the spirit of Ubuntu.
An adventure at the crossroads of passion
Taking part in this globally significant Gathering was not just a privilege-it was a responsibility. Representing my country, carrying the voices of Burundian artists, learning how others do things, and dreaming together of theatre that is stronger, more inclusive, more vibrant. Reflecting on today’s societal challenges, like the impact of crises.
(A thought to our colleague Cynthia from Goma, who couldn’t join us due to the crisis in eastern DRC. We were supposed to share these moments I’m now sharing with the world. Such a pity.)
I faced the most delightful kind of dilemma: choosing between New Voices activities and the many conferences, performances, and networking opportunities offered each day. Every moment felt more precious than the last. It was hard to know where to turn… but my heart knew it was in the right place.
Unforgettable performances, enriching exchanges
The artistic moments? Unforgettable. A special shout-out to the team behind “A Way Back” from Taiwan, a piece of great sensitivity that moved me deeply. The exchanges with fellow New Voices, the late-night discussions after shows, the artistic encounters, and the social events… all of it gave me a wealth of ideas and emotions that I proudly bring back home to enrich my fellow artists and actors in Burundi.
I lived, I shared, I connected… and I grew, all in one week.
Marseille, an Open-Air Stage
And then… Marseille. The sun, the beaches, the charming little streets, the ever-present sea. Walking back from Théâtre de la Crimée to Badaboum Théâtre, the old port sparkled with good news for an adventure-thirsty heart like mine. The city itself was a kind of open-air theatre, the perfect setting for this human and artistic journey.
It was a space for sharing, exchange, and transmission. Every person I met, in every place I visited, was a beautiful soul, always ready to give. Generosity: that word feels too small to describe the altruism shown by the hundreds of participants in the ‘Bright Generations’ Gathering.
A Seed planted, a dream on the move
Today, I have every reason to dream bigger. The creation of ASSITEJ Burundi has already begun, and it’s not far off. Diridiri, the theatre festival for young audiences organized by my company Umunyinya, scheduled for September 23-27, 2025 in Bujumbura, is now bursting with renewed energy. The ideas, the approaches, the energy of the other New Voices, all of it helps me carve a bolder path.
And somewhere, a dream is already flying straight to South Korea in 2027. There, at the next ASSITEJ World Congress, I can already imagine the New Voices reunited again, bringing forth dazzling projects, and maybe, just maybe… ASSITEJ Burundi in the spotlight, with a billion blessings flowing from the young souls shaped by the works and dreams of those I met in Marseille.
I am confident because I have a home: ACYTA Network and its bighearted souls that will, undoubtedly, be there for theatre in Africa.
