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portrayal of Africa, its people and culture.
It also tries to address the major themes of racism, stereotype, deceit and hatred in the face of love, evidenced in the Elizabethan period, and also in today’s Africa.
Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi plays “Othello”, while Londoner, Isabel Tredinick, who is currently based in Zimbabwe is “Desdemona”.
Veteran theatre practitioner Eunice Tava is the co-director.
Other cast members are Mhondiwa Mhepo (Iago), Zanele Maseko (Emilia), Shelton Mpofu (Cassio), Brenda Jeranje (Bianca), Pamela Gonye (Modiba), Rejoice Simango (Kiara), Josphat Ndlovu (Brabantio & Griot).
The fast-paced Afro-centric play is infused with African songs, dance and poetry in its quest to interrogate Shakespearean’s portrayal of African culture and people.
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.
The play was first shown in Zimbabwe at 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 (Hifa).
“The Gospel of Othello” has been facilitated in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and Zimbabwe with professional and emerging artists. It is a project established as a community theatre for development with an African perspective.
Performed in a mixture of Shona, Ndebele, and Shakespearian verse, “The Gospel of Othello” offers a fresh diversified way of the original Othello.
The play ends its run on April 21 at Theatre in the Park.
Online Reporter