Our Lady of Kibeho

Act One

Alphonsine, a teenage girl, waits outside Father Tuyishime’s office, while a group of other female students rehearse a hymn nearby. Inside, Father Tuyishime and Sister Evangelique are arguing about Alphonsine, whom the Sister has accused of lying. Alphonsine has claimed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary, but Sister Evangelique is certain this is impossible. Alphonsine is summoned in, and Sister Evangelique leaves, still furious. The kind Father Tuyishime prods Alphonsine, attempting to discern the truth surrounding Alphonsine’s claims. Alphonsine resists his rationalizations of her experience, protesting, “I swear to you that, I saw Her. I saw Her.” Still unsure, Father Tuyishme tells Alphonsine that her punishment for lying will be to help him in the office. She is to start the next morning.

A bit later, Alphonsine joins the other girls, who are doing very poorly in their choir rehearsal. Sister Evangelique, who is conducting, releases all the girls but one.