adminthe season had been billed to end on August 24 with the play “Trials of Brother Jero” but had to be shelved alongside a host of other advertised shows.
Shows that failed to take place at the venue that was running the concept for the first year include “Kapfupi”, “Siyaya”, “Sunduza” and “Trials of Brother Jero”.
Amakhosi Elite 400 director Cont Mhlanga said lack of funds had prevented them from creating the much-needed hype to attract audiences to the new venue.
Elite 400 is a cinema that is located in the central business district of Bulawayo and was hosting theatre shows for the first time this year. Mhlanga said they had been hoping that a new centrally located venue would be able to attract spectators.
“Although we did not meet our projections in terms of audiences, I am happy that we managed to introduce the venue and I am sure that when we run the winter season again next year the response will be much better,” he said.
“We are now focusing on the Summer Season at the (Amakhosi) cultural square and we were unable to handle both venues because of capacity.”
Mhlanga added that as an idea that was being implemented for the first time, they realised that it is feasible and would now be working on perfecting it for next season.
“Amakhosi Elite 400 will be a permanent feature. We are not giving up we need to work on several issues and grow it gradually. The stage also needs to be worked on for it to accommodate theatre works adequately,” he said.
Some groups failed to perform due to differences over who should pay for advertising as the groups were getting their revenue from gate takings.
A source close to the goings on said local acts such as Siyaya and Sunduza wanted the venue owners to handle the advertising, which they were unwilling to do.
“Amakhosi told these groups that they will have to do their own advertising but they (groups) were reluctant as they were told that they would be getting proceeds from the gate.
“Tickets were going for US$3 and the money would be split three ways with the performing group, Amakhosi and Elite 400 getting a dollar each, but some groups felt it was not feasible,” added the source.
Some of the shows that were part of this year’s Amakhosi Elite 400 Winter Season include the “The Clive Show”, a comedy act featuring Clive Chigubhu, Khala Sginci, that had acoustic guitar solo acts by Jeys Marabini and Thembi Ngwabi.
High Definition, a hip-hop dance outfit from Harare, Breast Calabash by Intombi Zomqangala, the play, Mother Courage and Dr Manzuma and the Vampires by Ben “Shereni” Sibenke were some of the acts that featured this season.
Shows that did not make it for one reason or another include Nomagugu and Isangoma, a Savuka production, The Voice Izwi featuring Sunduza, the prolific play “Nansi Le Ndoda” by Cont Mhlanga and “The Lunatic”, a comedy-drama by Thoko Zulu.
Mhlanga said they have kicked off the “Dreams to Fame”, a show that will be performed at the cultural square every Saturday until December 10 this year.
“We kicked off last Saturday, (August 6 ) and this year we are going to invite professional and semi-professional acts. We want to attract audiences and make sure they have quality entertainment on a Saturday afternoon,” he added.
Online Reporter