Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
RENOWNED theatre producer Nkululeko Dube has captivated audiences with a 40-minute cultural performance titled “The Great Zimbabwe,” set to be showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
The premiere took place at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
It coincided with Zimbabwe’s National Day celebrations.
Co-produced with traditional dance instructor Gibson Sarari, the production features a 12-member ensemble selected from across Zimbabwe, highlighting the richness of the nation’s culture.
Dube emphasised the challenge of creating such a musical in just two weeks, showcasing the talent and dedication of the cast.
“Usually, it takes a month or so to create a musical of this magnitude but we only took about two weeks to assemble this group of 12 talented dancers and actors.
“It’s a production where we combined theatre, music and spoken word to create a piece that depicts the true story of Zimbabwe.”
The performance incorporates various forms of art and includes popular indigenous dances such as Mhande, Amabhiza, Jerusarema, isitshikitsha, Muchongoyo and mbakumba.
The private premiere served as a platform for stakeholders to provide feedback which Dube and his team are taking seriously for final refinements.
“The purpose of this event was to give our stakeholders a glimpse of what to expect in this musical as well as to make suggestions for improvements.”
Dube commended the cast for their dedication and the production team for their hard work.
“A lot of effort was put together here, and we are grateful to be at this point. I hope we will do our best with all the recommendations made here,” he said.
Sarari, who has been in the industry for years, expressed confidence in the group’s talent ahead of the expo.
“I thoroughly enjoy such initiatives and I am confident we are going to leave a lasting impression in Japan.”
Napoleon Nyanhi, chief executive of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, also expressed optimism regarding the performance.
“This production is a musical and theatrical journey through Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. It is a celebration of our people’s spirit, told through vibrant dance, music, movement and theatrical storytelling.” He said each scene reflects the nation’s history and diversity, showcasing a tapestry of voices from all the ten provinces.
“We chose the title because it (Great Zimbabwe) is more than a monument, it is a message. In the 11th century, Great Zimbabwe was not just a royal city, it was a centre of industry, commerce, architecture and diplomacy.
“As we look to the Osaka World Expo 2025, this performance will be our artistic handshake with the world. It will showcase Zimbabwe’s creativity, cultural depth and historical pride to a global audience.”
Mathew Masinge