From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27, the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center hosted four shows of the play “Dear Children, Sincerely” (DCS) produced by the Sri Lankan Stages Theatre Group in collaboration with Rwandan playwrights. Two plays were reserved for first-year students as part of the Core Curriculum Program, while the other two were open to the public.

According to the team of producers at Friday evening’s Q&A, DCS was conceived and developed for two years before being halted due to financial constraints. The project was revived by NYUAD Professor Harshana Rambukwella, who connected the Stages Theatre Group with Rwandan playwrights, such as Hope Azeda, and the NYUAD institution.

Professor Rambukwella unfortunately passed away shortly before the production was set to showcase at the NYUAD Arts Center. For the evening shows on Friday and Saturday, his wife, NYUAD writing instructor Prashani Rambukwella, gave a speech in his memory.

Centering on the parallel histories of post-independence violence present in Rwanda and Sri Lanka, the play explores themes of violence, reconciliation, and remembering and retelling historical crimes against humanity. The title alludes to the creative process behind the play’s production, which entailed interviewing Rwandan and Sri Lankan elders born in the 1930s. With powerful use of silence, minimal yet allusive set designs, and a sophisticated interweaving of transnational narratives, the play captured audiences attention and received a standing ovation on both Friday and Saturday night.

“Dear Children, Sincerely” is part of NYUAD Arts Center and NYUAD Institute’s series on Celebrating African Theater. More information on future events of this series can be found on the NYU Abu Dhabi Public Programs website.