adminAuxilia Katongomara Entertainment Reporter
ONE of Bulawayo’s all-female productions; Song of a Woman will be the headline act at the Inxusa Festival Opening night and will coincide with Amakhosi Cultural Centre’s 19 year anniversary celebrations.
The play directed by budding playwright Thembi Moyo and produced by Nonhlalo Dube will show at Amakhosi Cultural Centre on 25 March, the day the centre was born 19 years ago.
Amakhosi programmes manager Thulani Mbambo said the play was produced by women in theatre.
“Women in Theatre (WiT) is a programme of Nhimbe Trust. It is a programme run by women for women in a bid to promote visibility and increase opportunities for women in theatre circles. To date WiT has produced and showcased Song of a Woman with the second production Mothers now in the rehearsal room,” he said.
Thembelihle Moyo who directed the play said the story explores the difficulties that married couples face when they fail to bear children.
In the play, Fanta, a young woman, is caught in between cultural and modern values of marriage.
“She is confused on how to deal with her mother-in-law and her aunt who expect different things from her. Her mother-in-law accuses her of being barren and says she wants to have grandchildren, Moyo explained.
Her aunt, on the other hand, is only interested in the material benefits that should come from matrimony.
“The story gives hope to the marriage institution when Julius, Fanta’s husband, stands by her side and promises to love her forever with or without children,” she added.
The cast of six features prominent actors and actresses who include Precious Makhulumo, Kenny Chikweza, Seagirl Dube, Donald Sibanda as well as poet, Sithandazile Dube.
The play premiered at Amakhosi Theatre “Plays on Sunday” in July 2013 before a capacity audience. In September 2013 during Intwasa Arts Festival the play showcased at Bulawayo Theatre.
The play was showcased again at National Art Gallery-Bulawayo in December 2013 commemorating 16 days of activism against gender based violence.
Online Reporter