adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Locals should invest in the theatre industry if it is to grow and become competitive internationally, a renowned theatre practitioner has said. Speaking to The Herald Entertainment, Savanna Trust director Daniel Maphosa said it was high time the sector was given the recognition it deserves.
“Corporates, Government, stakeholders and even artists need to commit themselves if the industry is to compete or surpass the levels of thriving countries like South Africa and Nigeria,” he said.
He added that when there is a vibrant theatre industry, employment is created and there is more engagement on issues of national concern such as sexual abuse, gender discrimination and inequality.
“Theatre can be used to facilitate an intervention of the rampant cases of abuse in our communities. Theatre should contribute a lot to the country’s economy but its potential is limited because of lack of investment,” he said.
Maphosa’s remarks come barely three weeks after Savanna Trust produced most of the theatre winners at the National Arts Merit Awards held in Bulawayo. In a rare feat in the theatre category, the organisation swept all the awards that it entered for.
Nyaradzo Nhongonhema, a relatively new find in theatre won the Best Theatre Actress Award for her role in “Pub Stories” while Tafadzwa Hananda won the Best Theatre Actor for his roles in “Pub Stories” and “Half Empty Half Full”.
The Best Theatrical Production went to the “Play Half Empty Half Full” produced by Savanna Trust and directed by Mncedisi Shabangu, a renowned theatre director and actor from South Africa.
Two of the three nominees in the Best Theatrical Production were “Half Empty Half Full” and “Pub Stories” (directed by Monageng Motshabi) from the same stable, Savanna Trust.
Having two productions from the same stale competing against each other was a great achievement for Savanna Trust.
“Our investment in this case was seen through inviting renowned directors from the region to not only direct the plays but to also mentor local artists. A lot of time and resources were in 2013 committed to the production of plays that could excel even beyond the Zimbabwean borders” he said
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