The director is humbled to have directed the play Ruined at Brandeis University. Ruined tells the stories of Congolese women during the civil war in a way that has not been heard before. Though initially unsure how the play would be received at a predominately white institution, it was welcomed with open arms. Ruined sheds light on the ignored issues of war and violence against women in Congo in a raw way that provides hope while encouraging responsibility and prevention of such conflicts. The production is dedicated to the director's supportive family and a reminder to live with kindness.

1. The cast, production staff, and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this play to life to you. Rich
with meaningful discussions, love, and joy, I am humbled to have had the honor of directing
Ruined ​on Brandeis’ own stage.
Lynn Nottage wrote “In 2004 I went to East Africa to collect the narratives of Congolese
women, because I knew their stories weren’t being heard. I had no idea what play I would find”.
Much like Nottage, I had no idea what was to come when embarking on this journey. How, I
wondered, will a predominately white institution receive my proposal for a play taking place
hundreds of thousands of miles from here: in my motherland, Africa? The answer, to my delight,
was with wide open arms.
Thinking back, every play I’ve acted in before directing ​Ruined ​has been political. Being a part
of this community allows students to push boundaries and ask important questions in an effort
for social justice and self­reflection. ​Ruined ​in its own right, follows this trend and enacts its own
form of social justice.
Ruined ​sheds light on something which we as a society have chosen for too long to ignore. It
allows us to open our eyes to issues that are going on in a part of the world that there is an
international responsibility for. It showcases a war within a war; a civil war and a war on
women. Amidst all of the trauma, ​Ruined ​leaves the audience with hope. It is not a natural
disaster, it is something we have the power to prevent. ​Ruined ​provides voice to real people’s
stories. The play is unapologetic and raw in the discomfort of viewers who too often look away
from horror stories of distant wars. Instead ​Ruined ​provides real content and genuine hope that
the future of distant “strangers” are in our hands.
I love theater because it can reach people better than telling them. People forget. However,
hammering images in their head allows them to remember. With theater, stories untold unfold
within a matter of a few hours so that they live on forever.
This production is dedicated to my family who have supported me and to Ambrose Ogechukwu
Ojimba Jr who reminds me to live with benevolence. Thank you.