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Trust Khosa
HARARE’S esteemed arts hub, Theatre in the Park, will run a new play titled “Song Unburied” to reignite debate on the reparation and return of artefacts from foreign countries.
Running from August 2 to 9, the play was written by Panashe Chigumadzi.
Veteran theatre practitioner, Daves Guzha, produced and directed the play.
The production comes at a time when visual artist and cultural producer Richard Mudariki has been advocating for the return of the Zimbabwean bird from Groot Schurr Estate in Cape Town, South Africa.
The cast of “Song Unburied” is also calling for this in the play.
The production team roped in Charmaine Munjeri, who plays the role of Rambisai Mangosho, the first black curator at a British Museum.
Actress Dalma Chiwereva shows her versatility with three roles – Mbuya, Mai Rambi and Tsitsi.
Former television personality Tinevimbo Chimbetete features as a British Museum director in the play.
In an interview, Munjeri said the play is central to the journey of self-discovery.
“The subject is relevant to us as Africans as we believe that we have a lot of unburied bones that need to be appeased. This play is open to all Zimbabweans.”
Guzha also believes that all artefacts overseas should be brought back home.
“In our tradition, we believe that people should be buried with their heads. This play will certainly open the debate on the need to follow our traditions, especially the issue of reclaiming our stolen artefacts.”
Chimbetete, who has been in the game for years, has promised theatre lovers a real treat at Theatre in the Park.
His counterpart Mafuleni has been teaching mbira and African cultural values both locally and abroad.
Online Reporter