Bingo Regis
Bingo Regis is a Rwandan actor, theatre director, and playwright whose practice spans stage performance, playwriting, and directing. He began engaging with storytelling and performance during childhood before entering professional theatre practice in the mid-2010s. His work includes acting in theatrical productions and developing original stage texts and productions presented in Rwanda and through international collaborations.
Early Life and Education
Bingo Regis was born as Igihozo Nsengiyumva Regis in Kigali, Rwanda, in the Kacyiru neighbourhood. He grew up in a family environment that included regular exposure to oral storytelling, proverbs, and intergenerational narratives shared by elders and relatives. He has two siblings and was raised by his mother following the death of his father. His early education took place in Kigali, where he completed both primary and secondary schooling. During childhood, he developed an interest in storytelling and public expression, often participating in informal narrative circles and later engaging in school-based performances. These early experiences were grounded in observation, listening, and repetition rather than formal artistic training.
Career
After completing secondary education, he chose not to pursue university studies and began developing his artistic path. In 2014, he undertook his theatrical development. During this period, theatre was his chosen professional path.
His early engagement with theatre was shaped by school performances, live events, and participation in cultural activities during his studies. These experiences were initially informal and exploratory. He was later exposed to recorded theatrical productions viewed online, including productions by the National Theatre in England, which introduced him to theatre as a distinct and structured art form with established conventions, staging practices, and narrative frameworks.
From 2014 onward, he became involved in theatrical productions in Rwanda. During this phase, his practice shifted from informal performance and storytelling towards professional stage work. Over time, he gradually expanded his activities across acting, writing, and directing.
Notable Milestones
His work includes participation in national and international theatrical productions as an actor, playwright and director, alongside commissioned projects developed for children, adults and community-based initiatives. He has collaborated with international theatre institutions and partners, including projects connected to French and German theatre contexts. In addition to acting and writing, his practice encompasses the development of original theatrical works that combine writing, directing, and performance. He has also been involved in theatre projects linked to education, community outreach, and national touring formats.
Notable Stage Performances
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Zoo ou l'Assassin Philanthrope (2024): a Rwandan-French co-production
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Notre Maison (2021): a Rwandan-German co-production
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Amararo (2020): a Hamwe Festival production
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Kalinga (2025): a Rwandan-German co-production
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Les Endormis (2024): a Rwandan-French co-production
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Baho Neza (2018): an Imbuto Foundation production
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Le Malade Imaginaire (2016): a Rwandan-European Union co-production
Notable Directing and Playwriting Work
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Umuhamirizo (2026) — original theatrical basketball play, within a theatre sportif format
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Kalinga (2025) — original dance-theatre play exploring men in feminism
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Indemarugamba (2024) — written and directed by Bingo Regis
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Water Revolution (2022) — commissioned children's play addressing ecological themes
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Aheza (2019) — radio theatre production developed in partnership with Imbuto Foundation