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Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
AS the year started, young ones who had just completed their O Level and A Level studies were welcomed to an indefinite lockdown that was imposed on January 5.
For many youths who used school as a space to interact and grow, they had difficulties adapting to being at home 24/7. The inactivity of most recreational spaces also did not help the situation.
The lockdown and lack of recreational activities have driven a number of children over the edge with some resorting to drug abuse, something a Nkulumane-based youngster, Michael Muderere, sought to curb.
Realising this problem, he came up with an idea to keep his peers, especially school leavers, busy by forming a theatre group which would see youngsters putting their energy into the production of various arts productions.
The group that was named Stanslavisky Theatre was formed with the view to attract young arts fanatics who had a hunger for success.
Interestingly, the youngsters showed interest in joining this group and actually participated at the recently held Geraldine drama competitions that were held in Bulawayo where they were crowned champions.
Commenting on the formation of the theatre group, Muderere said: “As a young ambitious boy, I felt the urge to empower young aspiring artists who had just left high school, to pursue art on a professional level.
“I brought my vision to life by sharing it with likeminded people, Bhekumuzi ‘Ngwaru’ Khumalo, Shown Kembo, Thulani Jason Muzenda, Bukhosi Ngula, Sizolwenkosi Phiri, Vanessa Tsuro, Lindiwe Mlazi, Fortune Sibanda, Ishmael Dube, Mduduzi Mpofu, Candice Masire and Terrence Mangena who all agreed to join me on this journey. This is how Stanslavisky Theatre was formed.”
He said the group is bent on proving that youngsters also have what it takes to penetrate the arts scene.
Sharing his vision for the group, Muderere said his hope is to give fellow youngsters platforms to express themselves artistically while also being mentored by experienced arts gurus.
“We want to create platforms for youths to explore and share creative ideas through a programme called Stanis Cultural Exchange which is all about unpacking thinking without the box, not outside of the box.”
Due to Covid-19 regulations, Muderere said they rehearse three times at Nketa Community Hall. He highlighted that they have challenges securing finances for the training spaces and called for sponsorship.
“We have problems on payment of rentals and we’d be grateful to get funding as that will make it possible for us to fully explore our arts talents without limitations,” said Muderere. -@mthabisi_mthire.
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