Shereni bounces back

Yeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
Studio 263 actor Ben Sibenke popularly known as Mr Shereni, who has keeping a low profile in the arts industry of late, has bounced back.
Sibenke said he will publish two plays this year. “l have been quiet for a sometime but l am working on other projects. Most people know me as an actor but I’m also a playwright,” he said.

The two plays explore various aspects of life and target young people.

“The first play is called ‘Beyond those Blue Mountains’. It’s an interactive play that involves a young person who asks the grandfather matters of life and a lot of issues about generational gap come to the fore as the old man explains things to the young man.

“The other play – ‘Manzuma and the Hyenas’ – which is feministic is about how children fight to inherit their late father’s property when their mother is still alive,”

Sibenke said he has not been acting ever since the local soap producer Godwin Mawuru died but is now assisting upcoming actors.

“I have not been into acting ever since Studio 263 stopped after Mawuru’s death but if it is revived I might be interested to continue.

“I do assist those that come for my expertise but the main challenge is that the young ones are not very serious in terms of rehearsals and I prefer working with dedicated people”, he said.

The 69-year-old believes there is a brighter future for the acting field although it is being affected by economic challenges.

“There is brighter future for the industry because there are many people with great talent but I think our problem is the state of the economy and arts sector is not well sponsored.”

The widower is humbled to be still alive up to this day and being able to maintain a good reputation in the industry.

“I feel humbled to be alive at this age and thank God for taking good care of me. It hurts me because those I thought were going to bury me are already dead. The likes of Nevernay Chinyanga(Muvengwa) and Benhilda Marume(Tamara) former actors of Studio 263 and Mawuru went before me.”

Sibenke started his acting career when he was still in high school.

He later became a teacher, elevated to deputy headmaster until he became the headmaster and he retired in 2009.

He also wrote a book “Chidembo Chanhuwa” and a play “My Uncle Grey Bonzo” in 1982.