Julia Smith Explores Culture and Theater in Rwanda

2012 Feb 16

Julia Smith, of Orchard Park, NY, was one of six Buffalo State theater students who traveled to Rwanda in January. The group was led by theater professor Drew Kahn, and humanitarian Carl Wilkens. The Buffalo State students collaborated with students from the Rwandan Mashirika Theater Company to create an original piece of performing art.

In Rwanda, Smith, a graduate of Orchard Park High School, visited genocide memorials, orphanages, schools, refugee camps, villages, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural organizations.

"There's no better way to learn about a place like Rwanda than to actually be there," said Smith, a sophomore theater major. "Since going to Africa, I want to see and learn more about the world around me."

Each year, Buffalo State provides students with the opportunity to travel to more than 60 different countries around the world. Each student is eligible to earn college credit for these programs.