A courtroom, 6 smartly dressed male actors and 1 actress, and the stage is set for a showdown which examines the Holocaust. The only twist to this story is that its all in French, subtitled in English on two huge projectors for the audience and the cast members are Rwandans and so is the director.
Originally written by Peter Weiss, ‘The Investigation’, is one of the most prominent theatre productions to examine Auschwitz for all its horror. Produced by Urwintore, a Rwandan Theatre Company, and adapted and directed, by Dorcy Rugamba, this latest instalment is an introspective look at history’s most recent and atrocious Rwandan genocide.
The actors in their multiple roles as prosecuting lawyers, victims, defence counsel and defendants cross examine each other with each new case, as they seek answers to the actions of various individuals involved in the case. It is an intense and thrilling trail as victim after victim give accounts of their harrowing experiences, what you have is a gripping succession of stories which leaves you swirling with a wave of emotions and questions of how could we let this happen again? This happens to be the theme that resonates throughout this compelling production with its unadulterated exposure of crimes against humanity in words.
Rugamba points out that the aim of this production is not to answer questions but to leave the issue out there for individuals to answer for themselves, “By investigating the Nazi’s crimes, we are prosecuting the crimes of our own time which never succeeded in recovering from Auschwitz crimes.” A point which comes across vividly through the intensity of the play and the few momentary burst of emotions on stage.
The choreographed stage movement represent the beginning of a new case or as a different victim relays their bloody and painful story. Outstanding performances from the ensemble of actors gives a voice to each character the audience is introduced to, giving a multitude of polysemic meanings to each case from different perspectives.
Though the use of French, seems like a language barrier at first for those of us who don’t understand a word of French. However, the intensity that emanates as the characters tell you their story is powerful enough to have you fully absorbed and make you want to know more about what became of these individuals.
‘The Investigation’ is an authentic portrayal about a time in history that should never be forgotten and at all cost, should never happen again.
I think this is well worth seeing because hearing the voices and seeing things from the eyes of individuals who have lived through these heinous acts of our time keeps you grounded.
Image: Marc Brenner
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