adminSophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Almasi Collaborative Arts is going to present the last staged reading play of “Nongogo” by Athol Fugard this weekend at the Zimbabwe Germany Society. Directed by Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, the staged reading play is part of the mentor-director staged reading series that was launched in November 2014.
Speaking to The Herald Entertainment, Almasi Collaborative Arts spokesperson Tawanda Mupatsi said their programme has been successful as they managed to do all the stage readings that were scheduled for this year.
“We are happy that Almasi’s initiative to bring dramatic literacy to not only Zimbabwean artistes who work on them but also to the Zimbabwean public has been successful and we are looking forward to another great year,” he said.
He said “Nongogo” is a story of survival and morality, second chances, betrayal, hope, secrets and dreams.
“The title ‘Nongogo’ is derived from a Zulu word which means prostitute.
“The story takes us back to a 1950s apartheid South African shebeen, the shebeen owner, Queeny, is a former prostitute, tired and embittered from carrying the burden of her past and the arrival of Johnny, a travelling salesman, presents a chance to shed her past once and for all and venture into a ‘respectable’ business – one that does not prey on people’s hard-earned cash in exchange for liquor.
“A tentative partnership with some hope of true romance develops, both Johnny and Queeny reach out to one another from the same need for a second chance and for the first time in years, Queeny feels alive and around Johnny she allows herself hope for a clean, bright future,” he outlined the plot.
He highlighted that the play leaps off the page beyond the confines of its 1950s setting and speaks to modern day Zimbabwe asking timeless questions.
“Some of the questions are ‘Does everyone deserve to be loved, wanted and respected?
“Are there realistic second chances in life? Is full disclosure the best in a blossoming relationship?
“Can two seemingly ruined people have a successful relationship without their past creeping up on them? Can we afford to dream in an environment that is oppressive?
“ Does it matter what we might have to do to survive?” he posed.
The production will feature a tried and tested combination of performing artistes that have made their visible contribution locally and internationally in theatre circles.
Among them is Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi, who has just returned from the United States of America where he was pursuing his studies in physical theatre. Previllage Mutendera, Tichaona Mutore, Eddington Hatitongwi and Teddy Mangawa all add up a unique taste to this thought-provocking piece of dramatic literature.
“Nongogo is the last staged reading to be done under the mentorship of Ms Julia Wharton, who will soon be leaving Zimbabwe.
Wharton, an accomplished thespian and drama teacher, leads this mentorship process in which five out of eightdirectors were selected to direct staged readings over the course of 2015.
Online Reporter