A new community documentary and dance theatre production drawing from the lived experiences of women and girls in Kamwokya in Kampala is set to premiere, using movement and storytelling to confront the often-silent crisis of domestic violence. Titled Echoes of Her Silence, the multidisciplinary performance blends film, breakdance, African contemporary dance, hip-hop and traditional Ugandan movement to highlight the struggles many women and girls face in their homes and communities.
The production is the brainchild of Ugandan international performing artist Joana Nambalirwa alias B-Girl Jojo. After more than a decade of storytelling through dance, Nambalirwa says the project marks a turning point in her work, shifting from telling only her personal story to amplifying the voices of other women whose experiences often remain unheard.
“For years I have expressed my journey through dance,” Nambalirwa says. “But this time I wanted to listen deeply to others, especially girls and single mothers who rarely get the chance to share what they go through.”
The idea for the production emerged after three months of community-based research in Kamwokya. Through her work with the Set Me Free Project and other grassroots initiatives, Nambalirwa conducted surveys, interviews and informal conversations with girls, mothers and community members about their experiences. The testimonies revealed troubling patterns of domestic violence linked to issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, marital conflict and deeply rooted cultural norms that often silence victims. Many women described emotional abuse, physical violence and abandonment, while young girls spoke about growing up in homes where conflict and fear are part of daily life.
Nambalirwa says the challenge was finding a way to translate these complex and painful realities into an artistic form that audiences could connect with. Over the past two months, she has worked with collaborators to transform these stories into a performance that combines dance and film to express emotions that are often difficult to put into words.
“Dance allows the body to speak when the mouth cannot,” Nambalirwa says. “Many of the girls I spoke to carry deep pain but feel they cannot talk about it. Through dance, we can show those emotions and let people understand what silence often hides.”
Through choreography and visual storytelling, Echoes of Her Silence explores themes of trauma, resilience, poverty, neglect and emotional suppression. The performance reflects how many girls are raised to endure hardship quietly rather than openly discuss their experiences or seek help. Beyond entertainment, the production is designed as an advocacy platform aimed at encouraging dialogue about gender-based violence and the importance of community support systems.
Nambalirwa believes art can help start conversations that statistics alone cannot.
“When people watch movement, they feel something. They see themselves in the story,” she says. “Dance allows us to speak about painful truths in a way that can inspire empathy and understanding.”
She hopes the production will encourage both survivors and communities to confront uncomfortable realities.
“My message is that silence should not protect violence,” Nambalirwa says. “When we start listening to each other’s stories, we can begin to heal and to change the systems that keep many women and girls trapped in fear.”
The production also echoes calls from community research for stronger awareness programmes, better support services for survivors, and closer collaboration between local leaders, social workers and organisations working to address domestic violence. By bringing these conversations to the stage, Nambalirwa hopes the performance will not only entertain audiences but also encourage reflection and dialogue.
“This project is not just about performance,” she adds. “It is about giving girls and women a mirror where they can see their strength, their pain and their possibility for healing.”
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