Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
As a way of bridging the gap between classroom-learning and practical appreciation, Centre for Talent Development (CTD) is set to host a dynamic performance-based Literature workshop tomorrow at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music.
Set to run from 9AM to 1PM, the workshop is specifically designed for Advanced Level Literature in English learners and teachers.
The focus of the event will be on Zimbabwean poetry, drawing from two powerful anthologies, which are: Every Stone That Turns written by wordsmith Tinashe Bvuma and Songs from the Temple by Emmanuel Ngara.
The two collections, which are rich with historical, political and personal themes, will be brought to life on stage through interpretive performances by a talented team of young theatre practitioners.
Thabani H. Moyo, who is the CTD Programmes Officer said the workshop is part of a growing initiative to use live performance as a tool for deepening understanding of prescribed literature texts.
“We have invested our time in trying to re-imagine the events on both the set books and I can reveal that our cast is ready to do justice to these respected anthologies.
“We believe that literature should not only be read — it should be felt, heard and lived. By dramatising the poems and unpacking their themes in an interactive manner, we are helping learners connect more meaningfully with the content,” said Moyo.
After the performances, Moyo said teachers and learners will engage in guided discussions focused on how to tackle examination questions effectively.
This component of the workshop is aimed at improving interpretation, analysis and critical thinking skills, all essential for passing Literature at A-Level.
“After the performances, we will engage in discussions about thematic concerns, characters and plots that are on these anthologies. We have a number of dedicated teachers and arts practitioners, who will help the school children in opening their minds and critical thinking, so that they are able to tackle exam questions and pass,” said Moyo.
The event is predicted to attract students from schools across Bulawayo and its surrounding districts, showing the continuation of CTD’s long-standing tradition of merging the arts with education in a purposeful and impactful way.
In their previous workshops, CTD has managed to showcase Ndebele set books on stage including Umhlaba Lo, Kodwa Mama as well as Ugqozi Lwezimbongi.
The young thespians re-imagined Literature in English set books including I Will Wait, Shadows on the Horizon and The Tribe of Graves.
They have also tried to tap into Zimbabwean History by performing two plays based on the country’s past. The plays were King Lobengula (Colonisation of Zimbabwe) and Ihloka — The Ndebele Uprising Response to White Occupation.
