Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
JASEN Mphepo, a veteran theatre practitioner, filmmaker and actor, is an unstoppable force as he cements his status as a uniquely influential figure in the creative community.
After navigating a 2025 season filled with both challenges and triumphs, Mphepo has entered 2026 with a buoyant spirit, continuing from where he left off.
One of his primary goals for 2026 is to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), as he seeks to establish himself further as a versatile creative in the industry.
The esteemed creative genius, whose Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre (JMLT) in Harare has maintained its prominence throughout 2025, promises an exciting line-up of monthly comedy shows. In the first quarter of 2026, Mphepo will be championing SRHR with his touring play, The Aftermath.
The production, which toured various venues across Zimbabwe last year, still resonates with many, prompting Mphepo to schedule countrywide tours in the first quarter.
According to its synopsis, the production, written by Mphepo, centres on two university students who are in love. Later in their relationship, the girl becomes pregnant and the couple decides to have an abortion.
Unfortunately, the procedure goes wrong, resulting in the girl’s death.
Her death triggers disputes and serious disagreements within her family.
Mphepo’s script delves into sensitive social issues such as family dynamics, religion and abortion rights, sparking critical conversations and challenging societal norms.
The lead actor is Mphepo himself, while the cast includes Farirai Clarence Borerwe, Shingirai Manyengavana, Henry Mutekede, and Munashe Goromonzi, who plays both the girl and the girl’s mother.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Mphepo emphasised that sexual and reproductive health rights remain a critical issue that he aims to raise awareness about. “We have a lot lined up for the first quarter of 2026, and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights through our production, The Aftermath, is one of our key priorities,” he stressed.
“The production will be shown in Bindura, Marondera, and Harare during the first quarter of the year. We want to raise awareness about SRHR, one of the main issues being overlooked in Zimbabwe. Our play has been embraced by many.” After receiving endorsements from over 900 students from Masvingo Teachers College and residents of Mutare last year, Mphepo, a respected thespian, assured fans that they have plenty in store.
“We are not stopping, despite the lack of sponsorship, as most of these projects are self-funded. As a production house, our goal is to make an impact, and we have a full line-up planned. We are also committed to holding more workshops to empower creatives in need of our expertise,” he pointed out.
Reflecting on the recently concluded 2025 season, Mphepo shared that they managed to make an impression despite numerous challenges.
“It was quite an eventful year where we held several tours and workshops, empowering many creatives. However, we still need funding and sponsorship for our initiatives to produce the desired outcomes we’ve yearned for over the years,” he shared.
