‘She and He’ scores big in Zambia

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
“She and He”, a play by Edzai Isu Theatre Arts Project and Daughters of Yamaya Collective from the United States scored big at the recently held April International Theatre Festival in Zambia when they scooped three awards. The festival which ran from April 22 to 26, saw the play being awarded the Best Production of 2014. Its directors, Tafadzwa Muzondo and Joy Wrolson won the Best Director Award for their roles while Michael Kumunda won the Best Sound for his musical input in the same play.

Speaking to The Herald Entertainment, Muzondo, who is also Edzai Isu’s founder said the road has not been easy as they received stiff competition from fellow players in the form of hosts Zambia, Malawi and Bostwana.

“It was not a walk in the park for us to achieve this. There was a lot of sacrifices from all of us with Joy bringing herself to Zimbabwe all the way from New York so that we could work on this project. I guess perseverance pays in the end,” he said.

The play, “She and He” stole the show when it had its regional première on April 22, officially opening the April International Theatre Festival.
A US and Zim Exchange play, it explores the story of a Haitian-American woman who makes strides in reconnecting with her African roots.
She falls for a Zimbabwean man whom she marries.

Drama unfolds as the couple has to work around each other’s cultural differences.
The husband also has to decide if he is willing to stay behind or join his wife and live the American dream. While it is entertaining, “She and He” is thought-provoking on different cultural perspectives in a modern society vis-avis day African tradition.

Its world première has been slated for May 2 at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) at the Standard Theatre.
“From the Zambian festival ‘She and He’ will make other performances in parts of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and the US at later dates during the year,” said Muzondo.

The play is complimented by a musical feel from versatile guitarist, mbira, marimba and traditional drum player Michael Kamunda.
It was co-written by Staphanie Guirand and Muzondo who also co-direct it with Dr Wrolson.

Fine actors, Everson Ndlovu and Getrude Vimbayi Munhamo complement each other in bringing the story to life.
Popular actor James “Jingo” Mukwindidza features as production assistant.