Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO is gearing up for three days of laughter, theatre and creativity as the fourth KwaNtuthu Comedy Festival returns from 30 October to 1 November, celebrating this year’s theme, “The 4th Quarter.”
Festival organisers have confirmed a line-up of dynamic acts and participating schools, promising to shake up the comedy and theatre scene.
The festivities kick off on 30 October at Cotton Lounge with the Dark Knights Comedy Show, a night dedicated to dark humour. Hosted by Djuni, the show will feature seasoned performers ACE, Ble and Tino, while Zibusiso makes her debut in stand-up comedy, continuing the festival’s tradition of introducing fresh talent to the stage.
The evening will transition to the Mrs Sinkwa Theatre Night at Bulawayo Theatre, where schools will compete for the Mrs Sinkwa Outstanding Theatre Production floating trophy. Participating drama clubs include Dominican Convent High, St Augustine’s College, Riverdale Academy, Mandwandwe High and Nketa High.
The festival’s final day at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music will feature a red-carpet short film screening, showcasing productions from Girls College, King George VI Memorial School, Mandwandwe High School, Nketa High School, St Augustine’s College, Riverdale Academy, Dominican Convent High, St John’s Emerald Hill (Harare) and Tichakunda Wellingborough College from Harare. The screening will culminate in an awards ceremony.
Fans had been anticipating this year’s “Roast of Maforty”, a highlight meant to honour the celebrated comedian. Sadly, the event will not take place this year.
“It was a logistical nightmare to pull off, considering the locations and the availability of the people selected for the roast. We couldn’t compromise the quality of the show by finding replacements,” Maforty said. —@mthabisi_mthire
