Rwanda history was characterized by divisionism and ethnic differences manipulated by selfish political architects. History was always told in the interest of wicked manipulation. This historical manipulation led to political upheaval and economic disparities to ethnic and cultural confrontation that eventually culminated in the genocide of 1994 that claimed close to a million lives. It is against
this back drop that on the 17th of December 1999 the decision was made to create the University Centre for Arts and Drama at the National University of Rwanda. Physically distanced from the main university premises, UCAD stands on its own as a high education and production entity that deals with music, dance, theatre and drama. UCAD concentrates on teaching principles and polishing training of young and aspiring artists. The University Centre for Arts and Drama is consequently intervening through training, creation, promotion, artistic production and diffusion in the creation of new approach that are turned towards the reconstruction of social imaginary geared up towards reconciliation, national unity and peace and part of a definite political initiative. It is against this framework that UCAD is in close partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the National Commission for Unity and Reconciliation…
Two decades have nearly passed by. The experience has shown fruits, it was fabulous and convincing. Hundreds of NUR students, tens of professionals have benefited from the basic tools to extend their talents. To emulate their expression they have exchanged with other approaches from the continent and out of the continent, they also needed to confront other forms of a modern creation perceptions and perspectives. Thousands of spectators from Rwanda and elsewhere have witnessed the expression of unquestionable talents from Rwandan youths who have surprised by their quick renewed creative force. They have realized films; they have set up promising dance troops, etc. In the space of seventeen years, people in Rwanda have been progressively used to the idea of culture as an inherent part of development and initiatives have been made to introduce a genuine industry of culture.
