adminA LOCAL play, The Immigrants, which looks at the Zimbabwean migrants’ trials and tribulations in the 2008 era when the economic challenges forced many to leaave the country for neighbouring countries, has been voted among the top five best liked scripts from Africa by a theatre company in Germany.
The play was written by Bulawayo-based playwright Thabani Hillary Moyo and edited by veteran playwright Raisedon Baya.
Moyo said the call for the competition was made early this year and they only got the news that they have won the opportunity to send the play abroad last week.
Speaking to Sunday Leisure, Moyo said The Immigrants was penned in 2007/8 at the time when the country was facing economic challenges, a period that was characterised by runaway inflation.
The period saw a significant number Zimbabweans migrating to neighbouring countries with some going beyond regional borders where they believed they could get a little economic comfort. It takes a look at the problems that were faced by a horde of Zimbabweans who were illegally living in South Africa.
“This is a story about Zimbabwean immigrants who crossed into South Africa, their dreams and challenges. The presence of two Zimbabwean immigrants brings to the fore the hidden tensions within a South African family, and consequently leads to tragedy. The play is set in the Metropolitan City of Johannesburg.
“Running away from economic problems Sifundo and Qhubani find themselves having to deal with Eddie who is a personification of South African xenophobia against fellow Africans from other countries. When Eddie realises that Sifundo and Qhubani were very close to each other he becomes irritable towards the two Zimbabwean brothers. His efforts to break the unity between the two hit a brick wall.
“He seeks legal advice but only to be told that what is happening between the two is only natural and he cannot do anything about it. He is made aware that the only legal issue that could work for him about the two brothers was their illegal status in South Africa. Eddie seizes the opportunity and secretly exposes the brothers to immigration officers leading to their subsequent arrest,” he said.
Moyo, a seasoned high school arts teacher, said the play was premiered at Intwasa in 2012 and went on to be showcased at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).
He said a new cast comprising Germans would perform the play for at least one year in their country.
“The play will be performed by German actors hence it will be converted into their language so as to cater for German audiences. This gives the play exposure to international audiences, which is every artiste’s dream. It gives The Immigrants a lengthy table life,” he said.
The original cast comprised Memory Kumbota, Gift Chakuvinga, Kevin Bhuru, Bathabile Dlamini, Millicent Roberts and Zenzo Nyathi.
Moyo said the selection of his work was a reward for consistence and determination in the cut-throat industry, adding that it was a good sign that the film industry in the country was taking a good direction.
“This shows that Zimbabwean theatre can compete internationally. It is testimony that good works of art with characters that have universal appeal is what audiences the world over are looking for. Consistency, passion, perseverance, dedication and having a never say die spirit is what l think has worked to make me reach such heights as a playwright.
“I feel excited about the achievement, it’s opening new doors for me as a playwright. I also believe that it teaches us as creative artistes to know global issues that can sell home and abroad,” he said.
Online Reporter