The Valuable Offering Eagerly Movement, VOEM, officially inaugurated a new state-of-the-art theatrical facility at World Mission High School in Kinyinya sector, Kigali.
The event, which took place on February 9, was graced by distinguished guests from both Korea and America, including the founders, who are all valuable partners of the school.
The VOEM theater is a versatile performance space in the style of a black box theater but with a twist. The layout of the theater includes a main stage, a flat ground floor for enhanced audience interaction as well as a fixed seating area on the upper floor. The theater has a seating capacity of over 350 people.
It was built in line with the school’s mission to provide a space for praise, worship, and community events.
The facility was made possible through the sponsorship of VOEM, an international worship group, and World Mission Frontiers, a Christian faith-based organization that founded World Mission High School.
The inception of VOEM Theatre in Africa can be traced back to 2006 when its ministry commenced with a performance tour in Tanzania and Uganda.
In 2018, due to a change in the Rwanda Government Policy regarding mission land, which states that all mission land requires the inclusion of a building constructed according to global standards, Christian Life World Mission Frontier, CLWMF, proposed that the ground floor of the school hall be transformed into a two-storey, full-sized performing arts theatre.
The choice was symbolic, as World Mission High School has been a representation of CLWMF’s mission since 1994 and the first establishment of many in Africa. VOEM, in line with its commitment to glorify God through culture and be a witness to the nations, answered the call to mission and began construction of the theatre.
Dr. Joy Kim, a professor in Musical Theatre at Tima College and one of the VOEM delegation, shared the background of the theatre’s inception and aim. The vision behind the VOEM Theatre is to provide a dedicated space that fosters artistic expression, honors African performance practices, and serves as a platform for talent development, she noted.
Adding, “The VOEM Theatre is a testament to our dedication to spreading the joy of worship and cultural appreciation. It is an opportunity to provide a platform for young talents to develop and express themselves through various performing arts forms.”
Taedon Oh, an actress and former professor at Tima College, who participated in training the students in drama performances at the inaugural event, delivered a powerful piece that told the tragic story of Sarah Baartman, popularly known as the “Hottentot Venus.”
Baartman’s unfortunate history mirrored the exploitation and objectification of African women in Europe during the colonial era. Oh emphasized the importance of performances that instill values in young people while nurturing their talent. She expressed her excitement for the new theatre, recognizing its potential to serve as a catalyst for young talent in Rwanda.
The inauguration event also showcased the diverse talents of the students through captivating performances ranging from soulful singing by the worship team, to Drama presentations, and traditional dances.
Tony Galvin Tunganirwa, a level 3 student at World Mission High school, and pianist for the worship team, spoke about the benefits of having their own theatre on campus.
He mentioned that prior to the construction of the theatre, practice sessions were often disrupted by rain or excessive sunlight. Tony expressed his gratitude, stating, “Having this theatre will offer us a dedicated space to hone our skills, regardless of the weather conditions.”
Innocent Rukundo, the principal of World Mission High School, also expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the new facility. He emphasized its crucial role in talent identification and development, aligning perfectly with the school’s mission as a TVET institution.
He said, “This theater will enable us to further identify and nurture the talents of our students, empowering them to excel in their respective fields.”
