International play Hedy receives critical acclaim at Intwasa

THEATRE enthusiasts and performers in Bulawayo have praised this year’s Intwasa festival addition for bringing the international play Hedy: The life and inventions of Hedy Lamarr to the city.

The festival began on Tuesday with three locations set aside for a series of art activities and skill-building workshops that will last until the end of the month.

The play Hedy, narrates the life of an Austrian-American actress Hedy Lamar who invented what became known as the ‘Secret Communication System’ as a way of improving torpedoes to assist the US Navy during World War 2. Her technological inventions were used subsequently and served as the foundation for Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, three modern communication technologies.

The play highlights the struggles of ambitious young Hedy, whose value in society seems to be concentrated on marriage, having a nice face, and being a “good” wife. She is portrayed by American actor and playwright Heather Massieis.

The drama has two performances scheduled for the Intwasa festival, with the first performance taking place on Wednesday at the Bulawayo Theatre in front of what appeared to be a small audience. The play is set to show again at the theatre and the actress Heather Massie will facilitate a playwrights’ masterclass for local writers.

After the performance, Bambelela Arts Ensemble director Witness Tavarwisa told Chronicle Showbiz that the play was quite informative and there was much to be learned for enhancing local theatre.

“The play is quiet encouraging and motivating. There is a lot that can be implemented in our own local theatre. Theatre worldwide has similar techniques and we borrow most of them from Western acts.

“For instance, it’s rare to come across solo performances done by women and this play will be a pacesetter for local female actors,” he said.
Book and theatre enthusiast, Simbarashe Tshaka, who is also teacher at a local school, described the performance as a beautiful experience.

Students from Chipale Secondary School in Binga, who will also stage a play at one of the festival events, were part of the play’s audience. One of their teachers stated in an interview that the play would have an impact on the children as they prepared for the big stage.

“Seeing one person managing the stage and entertain a crowd on her own will surely boost their confidence.

“This is the exposure they needed to battle against stage fright as they prepare for their own performance,” she said.