Curtain Up! – Discovering Acting with Charmaine Ruvimbo Mujeri

As part of this year’s KIFIFE Children’s Film Festival at the Opera Village Africa, we held an intensive acting workshop with actress Charmaine Ruvimbo Mujeri for children aged 8 to 13 – full of emotion, expression, and the joy of performance.

Over four progressive days, Charmaine gently introduced the children to the fundamentals of theatrical performance. Through exercises in body awareness, voice, and stage presence, they built self-confidence and developed scenes together – which they proudly presented at the end of the workshop. A particular focus was placed on character development and emotional authenticity – both core elements of acting.

Charmaine Ruvimbo Mujeri is a passionate actress and theatre educator who views her work as a form of artistic education. With her warm and professional approach, she inspired the children and introduced them to the stage as a space for self-exploration and community. The enthusiasm throughout the workshop was tangible – as was the sense of trust that developed among the participants. The final presentation moved the audience and powerfully demonstrated how theatre can empower young people.

At Opera Village Africa, we believe in the transformative power of play and performance. The KIFIFE Festival provides a safe space for children to explore themselves, learn new things, and grow through art. This acting workshop was a powerful example of how cultural education can strengthen young people – both on stage and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s sponsors, whose generous support made the KIFIFE Children’s Film Festival possible in this form: Tales Of Us, Stormig Donkey Productions, Rainer Werner Fassbinder Foundation, Jutta Vogel Foundation, Norbert W. Grossklaus (Protestant Pastor / City Councillor Offenburg), & Planbar 3 Gbr.

Photos © Madi Zongo