Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail
PERFECTION is impossible, but with adequate practice and the right kind of information, one can move mountains.
This is the case with theatre production house, SaDee Lensworks who, on Friday, invited stakeholders involved in the film industry to watch a production behind closed doors and give a second opinion.
It was a rare trait of a combination of bravery and the need to offer quality production.
The play titled 1995, produced by SaDee Lensworks’ director Mhondiwa Mhepo and directed by celebrated actor and director, Memory Kumbota is set out in a mining set-up where two individuals who are friends, Thabani and Panashe (Kieth Nkomo and Bruce Mutero) are on an expedition of diamonds to better their lives with fatal consequences.
It takes one on a spiritual path where Thabani is haunted by a spiritual Panashe and left needing psychiatric help after the pair had stolen diamonds, but along the way, Panashe’s fatal bullet wound means he has to surrender the precious stones to his friend.
The staging of the production before it goes public was perfect for the producers to put a litmus test to the success of the show.
In attendance were musician and choreographer, Hwabaraty, Mgcini Nyoni, playwright Raisedon Baya, actor Tanaka Munyavhi, and members of the media fraternity who gave insights on how the play could be improved for public consumption.
Among the issues discussed after the staging of 1995 were the usage of props, vocal coaching, the use of sound, switching of characters, voice variation, projection, and choreography.
This gave a new feel to the Bulawayo arts sector where, usually, there are no trial phases, but the audience is thrown into the deep end while some theatrical issues are not ironed out before staging.
Baya commended the work that SaDee Lensworks is putting in to perfect their act.
“This (staging of a show behind closed doors before it goes public) is incredible. It’s not something we’re used to and it’s a combination of guts and the need to learn and SaDee Lensworks is headed in the right path.
“Many times, people stage half-baked productions without proper research to iron out issues of believability, usage of props and other things. Giving people a chance to comment on your show before you stage it publicly is a gutsy move, one that they have taken and I commend them for that,” Baya said.
Hwabaraty said he was interested in the choreography more than the acting part.
“My interests are with the choreography and music in the play. I acknowledge that they are using it for the play and being invited to come and watch has been a plus for them and us as we share ideas on how to perfect this,” he said.
The two-man cast has to switch characters during the 45-minute play and to nail it would mean practice and a dose of knowledge from the sector’s best. — @MbuleloMpofu
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