Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
50 Dates at the Theatre, a programme curated by theatre veteran Saimon Mambazo Phiri as part of his 50th birthday celebrations, is reigniting Bulawayo’s arts scene and reviving the excitement of evening theatre outings.
The festival, which began on August 19 and runs until November 1, opened with a spectacular first week featuring five dynamic shows at the Bulawayo Theatre, each showcasing the city’s youthful artistic talent.
Among the performers were Sam Siwela, Novuyo Seagirl, Hwamanda Dance Troupe, Khaya Arts, Amaqaqa, Fab, Hwabaraty, Thaluso Da Poet, Band of Misfits and Gog’ Bekezela, all of whom delivered vibrant and memorable performances.
A standout moment from the opening week was the debut of Movement And Dance (MAD in Africa) on August 22 and 23. This innovative production fused over 20 African dance styles with music, creating a continental celebration on stage. Youth-driven and passionately performed, MAD in Africa marked a powerful revival of Bulawayo as a cultural hub, with young creatives leading the charge in elevating the city’s arts scene.
Part of MAD in Africa was the Hwamanda Dance Group from Harare, whose energetic performance showcased a variety of traditional dances and songs in both Shona and Ndebele. Their act seamlessly blended dance, song, comedy and drama, leaving the audience cheering long after they exited the stage.
So captivating was their performance that the MC remarked, “Hwamanda Dance Group’s performance is a reminder that 50 Dates is not just for Bulawayo, it’s for everyone. Very soon, it will no longer be called 50 Dates; it will evolve into Live in Bulawayo.”
Emmar the Violinist, one of last week’s performers, expressed his excitement in an interview:
“It was such an honour to perform at 50 Dates at the Theatre. The audience was loud and inspiring.”
Fans were thrilled by the festival’s opening week.
“This is something Bulawayo really needed. I feel proud seeing our artistes celebrated like this. I’ve seen young people doing wonders on stage. We’re moving in the right direction to make our city great again,” said theatre-goer, Tinashe Dube.
“The energy I saw at MAD in Africa is electric. You can feel the city coming alive through the arts. What a great performance from the young stars,” added Thandiwe Masuku.
As the festival enters its second week, audiences can look forward to more exciting productions, including Khokhoba Township, Zwelethu, Griiii Eshe, Live in Bulawayo and the touring classic Zambezi Express. A highly anticipated highlight will feature the original Zambezi Express cast sharing stories from their world-touring production, celebrating Bulawayo’s rich artistic heritage.
Mambazo emphasised that the festival is not just a personal celebration, but a platform for emerging talent.
“These celebrations are not just about me. Bulawayo has a lot of amazing young creatives, and this festival is their stage too. We’ve already seen their talent in the first week, and there’s more to come in the upcoming shows,” he said.
