‘Othello’ comes to Theatre in the Park

Solusi University during the annual Intwasa Arts Festival in Bulawayo last year.
It has also been shown at the Harare International Festival of the Arts.
According to Lesley Moyo of Rooftop Promotions, the producers of the play, the fast-paced Afrocentric play is infused with African songs, dance and poetry in its quest to interrogate Shakespeare’s portrayal of Africa, its people and culture.
“It also tries to address the major themes of racism, stereotyping, deceit and hatred in the face of love, evidenced in the Elizabethan period, and also in today’s Africa,” he said.
The play was conceptualised by Patrice Naimbana, a Sierra Leon theatre veteran who is currently based in the United Kingdom.
The cast and production team features local and international actors who combined to create this masterpiece.
Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi plays “Othello”, while Londoner Isabel Tredinick, who is currently based in Zimbabwe, is “Desdemona”.
Other cast members are Mhondiwa Mhepo (Iago), Zanele Maseko (Emilia), Shelton Mpofu (Cassio), Brenda Jeranje (Bianca), Pamela Gonye (Modiba), Rejoice Simango (Kiara) and last but not least Josphat Ndlovu as Bra­ban­tio and Griot.
Award-winning theatre actress Eunice Tava is the co-director.
“The Gospel of Othello” has been facilitated in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and Zimbabwe with professional and emerging artistes.
It is a project established as a community theatre for development with an African perspective.