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Stage actress Nyaradzo Nhongonhema is on cloud nine after winning her first National Arts Merit Award for her role in the comedy/drama titled “Pub Stories”. The 22-year-old former model who is lovingly called Nyarie in theatre circles was elated to be among the class of 2014 Nama winners. Landing the coveted award was in no way a fluke but she worked for it even and is now rated among the best stage actresses. Now that she has conquered theatre she is aiming for the big screen. Nyarie (NN) speaks to our reporter Jonathan Mbiriyamveka (JM) on her journey to stardom.
JM: Now that you’ve won your first Nama what’s next?
NN: Winning a Nama has been the biggest highlight of my career but l am not going to end there. I want to work on as many projects as possible until l get to the Oscars. So the Nama is a launch pad for greater things to come.
JM: How did you become involved in theatre?
NN: I started theatre when l was in primary school – then l didn’t know it was theatre and that people could make a living out of it – but the passion that l had for acting was what drove me to enrol as a theatre arts student at the University of Zimbabwe and graduated in 2012.
However, l started doing professional theatre last year when l performed “Pub Stories” during the Harare International Festival of the Arts, a play which earned me my first Nama.
JM: Which plays did you feature in?
NN: I haven’t featured in many plays as yet but the few that l have featured include “Pub Stories” a Savanna Trust Production which was performed twice at Hifa, twice at Intwasa, once at Protest Arts festival and was scheduled to premiere in South Africa at the TFOHO festival in Bloemfontein end of March. The other play l featured in was “Farai and Chipo in love” a Rooftop Promotions production which had a one-week run at the Old Mutual Theatre at Alliance Francaise. Also there is a play that I co-wrote with my friend Princess Sibanda titled “Todini”. I acted in the play and also directed it. We staged it at many different occasions including SafAids workshops, UN workshops and numerous times at the UZ. The play “Todini” also won us the best tool for behavioural change advocate award from SAYWHAT in 2011.
JM: Who is your inspiration?
NN: My biggest inspiration is my family. They motivate and support me in everything l do. Also the Silveira/Bikita community where l grew up inspire me a lot, they are so proud of me that l want to do more and be an inspiration to those who look up to me. What l have achieved so far considering where l have come from inspires me because the fact that l have come so far means that l can do more.
JM: Who are some of the well known actors/actresses that you’ve worked with?
NN: I have worked with Caroline Mashingaidze who has been on television and stage theatre for a long time. She is an amazing lady who made my journey easy and enjoyable. Also Antony Mazhetese a UZ theatre arts graduate. Silvanos Mudzvova an award winner as well, l have worked with him. Besides just actors and actresses l have also worked with best directors like Mr Daves Guzha and some South African directors as well.
JM: Where do you place Zimbabwean theatre compared to other countries?
NN: Zimbabwean theatre is legging behind. I always say that there is something wrong with a theatre practitioner or a theatre arts graduate going out to look for a marketing job or any other job which is not related to theatre, but unfortunately that is the case with Zimbabwe. The theatre plays, actresses/actors and directors are really good and some of them match international standards but the problem is lack of financial assistance and just support in general. We have got a few people coming up to fund theatre programmes.
Theatre can be a powerful tool for information dissemination but there are some restrictions to what is to be said or done in theatre which then restricts the potential and the capability of theatre practitioners to use theatre to its full purpose so until then our theatre will still be behind.
JM: Is Zimbabwean theatre developing?
NN: I haven’t been directly involved in theatre for a long time, but a few observations that l have made, I would say yes it is re-developing because there was a time it was in full swing back then with people touring around the world, then it all died down due to economic hardships but slowly it is picking up again considering that we are now able to have our plays being performed at international festivals outside Zimbabwe and also having foreign plays coming to Zimbabwe can be considered a positive step towards theatre in Zimbabwe.
JM: What could be the reason for decline in theatre goers?
NN: There has been a decline most probably due to lack of consistency in the staging of plays, many theatre goers lost track and eventually lost interest. The consistency was maybe killed because of lack of support and funding. But now the theatre crowd is coming back and we have got more venues for theatre like Old Mutual Theatre Alliance Francaise, UZ Beithall, Gallery Delta, REPS Theatre in addition to the Traditional Theatre in the Park.
JM: What else do you do besides acting?
NN: l work at Shomet Construction (lol . . . an actress working in a construction company). I am a marketing personnel who doubles as a PA to the financial director. I also play basketball as a hobby for Jewels Basketball club.
JM: You are part of the team that organises the Women’s Arts Festival tell us what it is about and what is your position?
NN: Women’s Arts Festival is all about celebrating women in arts and also giving a platform to discuss women issues through song, dance and theatre.
JM: Parting shot?
NN: The journey looks very tough but once you embark on it, it becomes easier. Especially with positive energy around you all is possible.
My family, friends have been the biggest fan group that has pushed me to become better and better each day not forgetting my newest biggest fan Ms Willa Yan Yu who has been very supportive. With God you can reach greater heights, here l am now from Chinyamatutu (gomo rekumusha kwedu)ilveira to Rainbow Hotel Bulawayo receiving the prestigious Nama! If l did it then anyone can, all it takes is determination.
I dedicate this award to my two fallen heroes Godknows and Mkoma Antony. From wherever they are l am sure they are celebrating with me.
Many thanks to the Nhongonhema family. Claudious and family, Collin and family, Rutendo and Kupa, Isheanoita and Enitah, what l owe them l can never be able to repay. All my friends thank you, Also Savannah Trust thank you Mr Daniel Maphosa, Auntie Meloe and Mr Leonard Matsa!
Online Reporter