Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Phenomenal actress and producer Charity Dlodlo is set to celebrate 23 years in the entertainment industry with her maiden tour of New Zealand.
Kicking off on March 1, this month-long tour promises to open new avenues for Dlodlo, highlighted by her captivating one-woman play, Once An Actress.
Written by British author Tony Layton, produced by UK-based Patience Tavengwa and directed by Stanley Mambo in Malawi, this insightful production will debut at the Nelson Fringe Festival from March 5-7.
Following this, Dlodlo will further enchant theatre enthusiasts at the Dunedin Fringe Festival, with additional performances scheduled from March 15-17.
In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Dlodlo expressed her commitment to commemorate this milestone with an hour-long monologue that delves into pressing issues of gender inequality and violence against women overseas.
“Words are not enough to express my excitement ahead of my first tour of New Zealand at a time I am celebrating 23 years in the industry,” Dlodlo stressed.
“I feel excited and appreciated since I will be performing my physical play, Once An Actress, in New Zealand. Of course, I have performed it at Reps Theatre and Theatre in The Park before, but I am looking forward to New Zealand.”
Better known as Mai Madziva in the country’s first-ever soap opera, Studio 263, Dlodlo firmly believes that her one-hander has further enhanced her profile with international audiences.
“Being invited to the New Zealand festivals is truly a historic and humbling moment,” asserted the actress.
“As the only Zimbabwean selected, I carry this opportunity with immense pride and responsibility. This is no longer just about me or about the play; it is about representing Zimbabwe, its talent, its stories, and its creative spirit on an international stage.
“This opportunity means growth, recognition, and the opening of new doors not only for me, but hopefully for other Zimbabwean creatives.”
She noted that this one-hander was special to her, as she produced it under difficult conditions.
“I produced and performed the piece during the Covid era under extremely challenging circumstances.
“In a time when traditional theatre productions were restricted globally, I relocated to Malawi for a year to rehearse and stage the play. The production was directed by Stanley Mambo in Malawi,” recalled the actress.
While the play was written by Layton, Dlodlo brought her own creative interpretation and cultural layering to the performance, incorporating elements such as spinning and the making of washing powder on stage, grounding the story in lived experience and physical storytelling. The one-hander format was also a practical and artistic response to the Covid-19 restrictions of that time.
“Producing and performing Once An Actress under such conditions required resilience, adaptability and determination. That journey makes this international recognition even more meaningful,” she said.
After starring in Studio 263 for eight years following an audition by the late Godwin Mawuru, Dlodlo acknowledged that the soap opened more doors for her.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing to and shaping some of Zimbabwe’s most recognised productions.
“I am widely known for my role as Mai Madziva in Studio 263, a show that became a cultural touchstone and helped shape the local television landscape.
“I have also appeared in numerous productions for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, including Pedyo Kure and Vhunze. Beyond mainstream television, I have worked on a number of short films, independent productions, and digital projects, including content created for YouTube and other emerging platforms.
“Throughout my journey, I have collaborated with respected creatives and production houses, including Nigel Maritinyu, widely known as The Sleek Pastor, Joe Njagu, and internationally acclaimed filmmaker and author Tsitsi Dangarembga. I have also worked with Derby Bheta (College Central), as well as with 3KTV. Additionally, I have collaborated with Nakai Tsuro of Tatenda Studios, theatre practitioner Daves Guzha, and Danai Gurira,” Dlodlo stated.
She continued:
“In 2010, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Nigerian filmmakers when they came to Zimbabwe to work on the film The Zimbabwean I Know, and that experience allowed me to share the screen with celebrated Nollywood actress Uche Jombo and actor Ejike Asiegbu, strengthening the connection between Zimbabwean and Nigerian creatives.
“I am also the producer of The Hero, a Robert Mugabe film, where I acted alongside international stars such as Jackie Appiah and Hakeem KaeKazim. The production brought together a diverse international cast and crew, allowing me to grow both as a performer and as a producer.”
Meanwhile, Dlodlo is a nominee for the upcoming 24th National Arts Merit Awards in the Outstanding Actress category.
An entrepreneur in her own right, the actress has been championing charity work through her foundation.
Locally, she remains the first female producer to create an international film, The Hero. Born in Bulawayo in a family of four —three girls and a boy — Dlodlo did part of her primary education in the City of Kings and proceeded to Chiredzi and Mashava due to the nature of her father’s job.
She completed secondary education at Victoria High School in Masvingo and later studied film.
After getting married, she defied the odds and continued making films. At one point, she was a swimming coach, but she has since found her new love in theatre and film.
A mother of three — two girls and a boy — Dlodlo is undoubtedly living her dreams.
dyton mupawaenda