Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE is home to incredible playwrights, including the late Cont Mhlanga, Raisedon Baya, Tsitsi Dangarembga, and Danai Gurira, who have conquered the world.
To ensure this trend continues, Almasi Collaborative Arts has enlisted the help of two-time Pulitzer
prize-winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, to lead the ongoing Re-Write Masterclass in Harare.
In a press statement, the dramatic arts organisation announced the partnership with the American playwright.
“Almasi Collaborative Arts is pleased to present a Re-Write Masterclass with Two Time Pulitzer
Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined, Fabulation and Intimate Apparel) from 5 July to 19 July, 2025 at Zimbabwe German Society,” read part if the statement.
Presented in partnership with the Zimbabwe German Society, this intensive masterclass will equip six Zimbabwean writers with advanced skills to define robust narratives on the page and thus create impactful works ready for the global stage.
As a key programme in Almasi’s inaugural Africa Voices Now! a Festival of New African Plays, this Masterclass is geared to provide invaluable skills into the craft of re-writing as a crucial development tool and a platform for selected plays to be further honed before showcase at the festival.
Amanda Ranganawa (Mutare), Batsirai Chigama (Harare), Kingsley Chinhanu (Mutare), Philani Amadeus Nyoni (Bulawayo), Rudo Mutangadura and Tatenda Mutyambizi (both from Harare) are the six participants of this masterclass.
The six playwrights are further developing their plays to the level of professional works with the expert facilitation of Ms. Nottage.
“The Masterclass will culminate with a free public showcase of scenes from work in process by the playwrights on Saturday, 19 July 2025 from 11am to 1pm at Zimbabwe German Society,” read part of the statement.
The Masterclass enables Almasi to usher in a new era of dramatic making where we facilitate the cross cultural exchange between world renowned professionals and local practitioners.
This programme further illuminates Almasi Collaborative Arts’ steadfast mission to bring new African narratives competitively to the global stage.
In April, Almasi Collaborative Arts organised a Zimbabwean Writer’s Retreat in partnership with The Public Theatre (New York) and the Re-Write Masterclass is in tandem with that for local scribes. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
