adminenthusiasts in complete awe.
Publicity material posted all over the city and on Internet social sites had created interest among people as they wondered what this show was all about.
Comprising a mixed bag of artistes ranging from amateurs to veteran theatre practitioners, dancers and musicians, the Arts Lab kicked off its shows on Friday last week and finished in style on Sunday.
The team had among it John Lenon Pfumojena of Mnandi, Edith Katiji of Utonga, Tinevimbo Chimbetete famed for his Kidznet role in the early 2000s, artistic director and choreographer Gilbert Douglas and Tumbuka Dance Company members.
Despite last weekend having been a busy one with events from the British Council, Theory X, Chipawo and Theatre in the Park, to mention just a few, Arts Lab managed to attract a substantial audience.
Said Melody Zambuko, the programme manager: “The show took the audience to worlds unknown as it addressed in mime, text, vivid action and spectacular costumes.
“Real-life situations from the tense environment of people watching a match, to the dynamics of today’s church service, a funeral, an NGO meeting, a murderous marriage, doctors at work, a fashion show, a portrayal of Swaziland riches to the displays of films shortened to eight-minute theatre pieces.”
For some, the climax was when characters were portrayed in masks while for some the highlight was the drastic shift of personality from happy fun-filled instances to intense, serious moments and back again.
The two-hour-long play could have been taxing for the audience but it was cleverly punctuated by 20-minute wine and snack breaks as the audience reviewed what they had already watched while wondering what was to come next.
Among those in the audience were National Arts Council of Zimbabwe representatives, Zimbabwe Theatre Association, the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe-German Society, British Council, The Culture Fund and Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture officials, to mention but a few.
Organisers of the show also gave the cast a treat with an after party at the On the Roof club at Travel Plaza.
This week the cast had a certificate awarding ceremony at the Zimbabwe German Society in acknowledgement of the four weeks training in observation, comic territories, tragic territories and mime. “We are currently working on a strategy for community outreach where we intend to take this show to communities such as Mbare, Mabvuku, Tafara, Mufakose and Highfield,” said Zambuko.
Online Reporter