adminLet me start by welcoming those who are reading this column for the first time and were drawn to todaya��s topic by its title.
This story is not lost, ita��s where ita��s supposed to be. This is talking arts and there is no real double funeral.
I am writing about a theatre piece which is meant to premiere during World Theatre Week. The official World Theatre Day is 27 March. The world over, people celebrate theatre for its beauty and influence in society.
Zimbabwe also tries in its own little way to celebrate this day. Though with functional and well financed structures it should be a carnival atmosphere.
Double Funeral is produced by Umthombo Arts. The piece is written and directed by world travelled arts veteran Thulani a�?Khumza�? Mbambo and features some of the crA?me de la crA?me of local theatre in award winning Gift Chakuvinga, Julian Tshuma, Nomvuyiso Mabi-Mpofu and Nokuthaba a�?Sarafinaa�? Okamadla. The play is about secrets, how people try hard to keep them, how they always come out and their impact especially on families.
The piece follows Matilda who is about to get married. She has found love and a ticket to leave the country and stay in Europe. While all seems headed for the altar, her childhood sweetheart Jockonia played by award winning Chakuvinga is blackmailing the family and threatening to spill the beans.
Ita��s an interesting suspense-filled play. The play will be held on 31 March at Bulawayo Theatre for an easy $3.
In related and equally important news. Today is my birthday, assuming you all wish me a happy one let me join you in wishing me a happy birthday. I am sure my editor wona��t have a problem with me personalising this bit of the column. I have been in this industry for far too long. Been part of the ups and the downs, celebrated and cried.
Today as I celebrate the beginning of another year in my life I want to declare I will put into action what has always been my words and those of a few others. We have always said that there is no way the arts will grow as long as we do not have people with the arts at heart in governing positions. By this I mean in council and/or Parliament.
We have started arts movements, festivals and most recently local arts awards, I will have you know the politics at this level is way too much. Because no one else but ourselves takes us seriously we end up fighting each other. For that I am boldly making a decision that come 2018 I am running for some office. I will fight for this industry from within.
As we have always said, the arts can be a major contributor to the countrya��s GDP. It only takes a shift from the powers-that- be to not just look at us as entertainment but employment and work for life.
Come 2018 I will be a candidate. Please register to vote. Until next week, be safe…
@nkuenkala
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter