Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN theatre practitioner Peter Churu will honour the late Stephen Chifunyise, who was a towering figure in theatre, film, and literature, with a new play in the first half of this year.
Chifunyise died on August 5, 2019, at the age of 70, leaving the creative community poorer.
His legacy continues to shape cultural activism and artistic practice across disciplines.
“For the first half of the year, Complete Arts Project is working on two projects – one is a revival of a Stephen Chifunyise classic and our very own Egoli Promise, which failed to take off in the last year,” he said.
“We had to rethink and re-strategise.
“We are also pursuing a number of foreign festivals for our 40 days, Molly Street and Egoli Promise.
“Add to that, we are working on a documentary series to be shown on ZBC soon.”
Reflecting on the 2025 season, Churu said it was a fantastic period and vowed to build on that success.
He said his team worked hard and touched the hearts of millions with plays that were taken on regional and international tours, showcasing the beauty and talent of Zimbabweans.
“The recently concluded 2025 season was exceptionally dynamic. We enjoyed a number of fabulous theatre productions from several production houses. “The NAMA season was also a real feast, during which Molly Street received two NAMA nominations.
“Several of our Zimbabwean productions went on tour, notably Song Unburied from Rooftop, as we witnessed a number of exciting emerging talents from other towns as well.”
Churu added:
“That momentum seems to have carried into the 2026 season.
“Molly Street has an outstanding date at the Edinburgh Festival. With the experience of last year, we are confident that we will be there this year.
“Apart from that, we are chasing several international festival dates. We loved performing in South Africa last year and don’t want to stop now.”
Despite a lack of funding and limited ideal theatre venues countrywide, Churu believes that the genre remains popular with fans.
“There is a real appetite for theatre. One only needs to look at what is happening with more than just stage readings but more productions.
“The theatre festival is a calendar event to look forward to. That is aside from Mitambo, and even tertiary institutions have mooted another festival. It’s all happening; we are excited.
“Theatre remains relevant in addressing national issues. Look out for Rooftop’s upcoming Constitution. It does not get more relevant than that.
“We also recently watched Edith Masango in Muchazondida, which deals with negative ‘isms’ against disability, to name but a few. The many productions by Chipawo highlight critical children’s issues. Theatre is a genre that the world and our country, in particular, cannot ignore at our own peril.”
Churu is one of the consistent theatre gurus who have been promoting this genre.
The others are Daves Guzha, Jasen Mphepo, Leonard Matsa, Daniel Maposa, and United Kingdom-based actress Enisia Mashusha.
Mathew Masinge