“Hate Radio” Chucks the Transcript

The New Yorker

by Emily Nussbaum

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

"Hate Radio," a play by Swiss director Milo Rau, brings audiences face-to-face with the dark role of RTLM, a Rwandan radio station that fueled the 1994 genocide. The production immerses viewers in a recreated version of RTLM’s studio, where DJs broadcasted hateful propaganda, inciting violence against Tutsis. Through prerecorded monologues and live performances, the play vividly captures the toxic mix of humor, music, and vitriol that contributed to one of history’s deadliest conflicts. The production features three actors portraying the radio’s infamous hosts: Diogène Ntarindwa as Kantano Habimana, Bwanga Pilipili as Valérie Bemeriki, and Sébastien Foucault as Georges Ruggiu. Their performances highlight the charisma anddangerous influence of these figures, who used their platform to spread anti-Tutsi rhetoric, urging listeners to attack those labeled “cockroaches.” The play’s set—a glass-encased diorama of RTLM’s studio—complements the eerie reenactment, creating a visceral reminder of how media can manipulate and dehumanize. "Hate Radio" is more than a historical recreation; it’s a stark reflection on contemporary culture. The production draws parallels between RTLM’s role in the genocide and modern-day disinformation tactics, such as those seen in viral online content or polarizing social media influencers. As audiences experience the play, they’re forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the power of propaganda and its enduring presence in today’s world. This cultural critique makes "Hate Radio" a timely and thought-provoking work, offering insights into how hate speech continues to shape societies—then and now.

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/26/2026