Almasi sets plans for 2026

ALMASI Collaborative Arts, the Harare-based champion of dramatic literacy, is igniting its ambitious 2026 season with a powerful cornerstone event: a free staged reading of Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal masterpiece, “A Raisin in the Sun.”

This community-centred offering kicks off a year packed with high-octane programming designed to elevate Zimbabwean and African creative voices.

The reading takes place this Saturday at the Friendship Bench Hub, offering the public free access to this landmark work.

Directed by Leonard Matsa, the production exemplifies Almasi’s rigorous approach to developing the African artist’s craft.

It features a compelling ensemble blending seasoned Almasi collaborators with exciting new talent, including Daniel Nkumalo, Evita Mahachi, Deborah Kabongo, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, Godblessus Dhliwayo, Chiedza Matabuka, Ronald Sigeca, Aaron Dobi, Clive Jonga, and Michael Kudakwashe.

True to Almasi’s methodology, the production began with a two-day intensive dramaturgical workshop.

Led by Almasi’s Programmes Director, Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, the session brought the cast and director Matsa together with a cohort of Almasi-trained directors and playwrights to deeply dissect Hansberry’s text and structure.

This foundational work precedes the rehearsal process, culminating in the public performance.

Director Leonard Matsa emphasised the enduring resonance of the play: “A Raisin in the Sun is a timeless and universally relevant play. It reminds us that in the midst of overwhelming adversities including class struggles, hope is all we have and need. It is the fuel that drives existence. And when all seems lost, our integrity is our last line of salvation,” Matsa stated.

Wabvuta highlighted the significance of opening the season with this signature staged reading programme. “It is truly rewarding to open our 2026 season with one of our mainstay programmes. By establishing this strong foundational start to the year with one of the greatest plays ever written, we are setting a clear frame through which excellence, professionalism, and authentic artistic expression will be nurtured within both our new talent and our seasoned Almasi alumni,” he said.

This reading is merely the curtain-raiser for a year of cutting-edge development at Almasi.

The 2026 repertoire promises to sharpen skills and amplify voices with a Stage Management and Directing Workshop lined up. It will be led by visiting US artist Adam Immerwahr from 18 April to 8 May.

A Voice/Acting Workshop led by Scott Miller, faculty from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts will also form part of Almasi’s programming this year. It will be led by a soon-to-be-announced renowned, multi-award-winning filmmaker.

A major new highlight from 17 October to 6 November will usher in an Africa Voices Now festival.

The expanded Almasi African Writers Conference will now include screenwriter and will be held from 7 to 20 December.

Lastly, the Year-Round Outreach will be led by Community Engagements Manager Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi, featuring the Solo Initiative Monologue Programme for out-of-school youth.

A Raisin in the Sun holds a pivotal place in theatrical history as the first play by a Black female playwright to be staged on Broadway.

Taking its title from Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “Harlem,” the play chronicles the struggles, dreams, and resilience of a Black family on Chicago’s south side as they grapple with housing discrimination, racism, and assimilation while anticipating an insurance payout.

Named the best play of 1959 by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, it remains a permanent fixture on global “best plays ever written” lists.

Co-founded and under the Executive Artistic Directorship of Danai Gurira, Almasi Collaborative Arts is dedicated to promoting dramatic literacy in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Based in Harare, the organisation empowers African creatives through world-class education, access, and opportunity, enabling them to bring their unique narratives to the global stage. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu