Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN playwright Styx Mhlanga, brother to the late legendary creative Cont Mhlanga, has finally settled in his rural home of Lupane, and added a new title to his resume: “farming artiste”.
Known for his work with Bambatha Creative Arts in Bulawayo — the organisation that helped launch the career of Afro-pop star Novuyo Seagirl — Mhlanga has embraced rural life fully, now considering Lupane his permanent home.
Speaking about his new chapter, Mhlanga revealed that the Covid-19 lockdown became a turning point.
“During lockdown, I was a speech and drama coach at Prince Edward School. That period forced me to stay in Lupane, and it was then that I fell in love with farming. I’ve since become a lead farmer in my village. I keep goats, ducks, cattle and grow crops. That’s why I now refer to myself as a farming artiste — I do my creative work while feeding goats and ducks from my barn,” he said.
Mhlanga added that the move has been a family affair.
“My wife transferred from teaching English and Theatre Arts in Bulawayo and now teaches at Mabhikwa High School in Lupane Centre, so we’re now firmly rooted here,” he said.
Despite moving away from the bustle of Bulawayo, Mhlanga remains actively involved in the creative scene.
“I still mentor young artistes at Amakhosi Theatre. I’m workshopping a new play with Deaf Arts Culture, an initiative of over 20 deaf artistes based in Bulawayo,” he said.
He is also part of the team behind The Grand Taimaz, a theatrical production created in collaboration with former Amakhosi colleagues, which continues to make waves in local theatre circuits.
Now with a growing footprint in Lupane, Mhlanga said his mission is clear — to make the district a creative hub.
“In times of darkness and challenge, communities can come together to create light and hope. With issues like alcohol and drug abuse affecting young people, our productions can be used to spark behavioural change,” he said.
He believes Lupane has untapped potential, which he wants to unearth.
“The scenery is beautiful, there’s cultural diversity, and we have a university with an adventurous Film and Media department. During the casting of Ukhalo, locals passionately campaigned for community members to be cast in all roles. It showed how much people here value seeing their own stories told by their own people.”
However, he lamented Lupane’s lag in film production despite its status as the provincial capital of Matabeleland North, especially when compared to towns like Victoria Falls and Hwange.
“Capacitating production houses like Bambatha Creative Arts could empower both crew and acting talent in the area. With proper equipment, we can raise the standard and quality of local film production,” he said. —
@mthabisi_mthire
