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Sh’anesu Gutsa
Arts Correspondent
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean creative entrepreneur Chiedza Rwodzi says her plays create more platform for Zimbabwean actors in line with her vision to tell Zimbabwean stories, the correct way.
This was revealed during a show staged at Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, London last Friday where a collection of short plays by Rwodzi took centre stage.
Described on the Omnibus Theatre website as “the ultimate showcase for diverse talent, on and off stage, at the centre of relatable narratives all the while celebrating their (cultural) idiosyncrasies,” the event took the audience on a journey of emotions across six carefully curated plays, punctuated by the occasional laughter or gasp from the audience.
The highly attended event saw an audience of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, and the atmosphere was intimate and relaxed.
The venue’s intimate setting offered the audience a more personal experience with each play and actor.
The production kicked off with ‘Galentine’s Day’ by Christine Ubochi, where a social media, Instagram hairstylist readying herself for Valentine’s Day with her beau sees an excited customer prepping for the same occasion when they both discover a startling overlap in their plans.
The chaos in the final play, ‘Paintaz’ by Syeshia Sweeney, co-directed by Rwodzi also, left the audience in awe.
“What starts as a boozy ‘Paint and Sip’ session descends into chaos for two friends when one of them starts to exhibit bizarre, unpredictable behaviour,” is how the play was described.
Asked what inspired her to direct ‘Paintaz’, Rwodzi said she found it thought-provoking and deep, yet hilarious.
“It explored some interesting matters relating to transformation and the different hats we put on in our lives to belong.”
“We wanted to ensure that each play was not only brilliant in its unique way, but resonated with our company’s mission,” said Rwodzi.
Her co-founder and one of the actors in the play ‘Paintaz’, Hassan Govie said learned a lot from the play though challenging.
“It was challenging acting in an event I co-produced but organising an event with 20 creatives and having to find the capacity to prepare for a performance pushed me.”
“It was a welcomed challenge and creatively fulfilling. I thought the character I played was complex and nuanced, but it was someone I could relate to.”
It allowed me to infuse aspects of myself but also step outside myself and see how this character relates to others,” explained Govie.
However, Rwodzi’s graduating from Mountview Academy of Theatre London has always been drawn to the performing arts.
“I chose to go to drama school because I wanted to get the further practical and technical training I felt I needed to do the work I do within my field,” she said.
Rwodzi said is inspired by her mentor, Lucian Msamati and Danai Gurira.
“I adore Lucian Msamati because of his ability to understand people and bring every character he plays to life. For me, Danai Gurira is about her strength and determination which shines through each character she plays.
“I had the privilege of meeting her two years ago in Zimbabwe and I learned a lot about giving others space and opportunity through that very brief yet significant exchange”, she said.
“I am also inspired by Tongai Chirisa’s resilience and commitment to his faith. “I often use his famous tagline #NdezvaMwariIzvi because it’s not only cool but so true to everything I would like to do”.
Rwodzi said her award-winning play ‘How Are You, Really?’ is set to premiere in Zimbabwe and Uganda later this year.
Online Reporter