Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING ensemble Umkhathi Theatre Works will represent Zimbabwe at the 2026 Cradle of Creativity Festival, set to run from August 31 to September 6 in South Africa.
The Bulawayo-based theatre group is the only Zimbabwean ensemble selected to showcase its work at the prestigious festival, which this year is being held under the theme, “Jumping Over the Kraal.”
The festival will feature 21 productions from 10 countries, with performances staged across multiple venues in the Northern Cape, including Kimberley, and in Gauteng at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
Umkhathi will present The Painted Kite, a vibrant theatre-for-young-audiences production that explores friendship, bullying, forgiveness and the power of imagination.
Set in a playful world created from recycled materials, the production follows two best friends, Sihle and Themba, who dream of becoming pilots. For the two friends, flying kites is more than just a game. Each colourful kite carries their hopes and dreams into the sky, symbolising their desire to one day take flight for real.
Their joy is, however, disrupted by Jason, a troubled boy who mocks the friends and destroys their kites as a way of concealing his own pain.
As tensions rise, a magical wind sweeps the children into the “place of peace and colour”, a dreamlike world where truth, empathy and forgiveness become the only way forward.
It is in this transformative world that Jason opens up about his struggles, allowing the children to better understand one another. Together, they discover that true strength lies not in hurting others, but in lifting each other up.
Umkhathi director Matesu Dube, who co-directed the production with Chipo Basopo, said the team travelling to South Africa includes Fidelis Tshuma, who plays Themba; Sylvester Menyika, who portrays Jason; and Lorin Sibanda, who takes on the role of Sihle. Martin Khumalo will provide live percussion during the performance, while Maqhawe Moyo will be responsible for controlling the kites.
Dube said the ensemble was ready to deliver a memorable performance after spending two months refining the production. “It feels great to be part of The Cradle of Creativity Festival, presenting our 2026 Theatre for Young Audiences play, The Painted Kite. Festivals bring the best together to share, learn and create contacts for future collaborations.
“To be recognised among other African creatives and given a platform to present our show in South Africa makes us a bit nervous to perform during the festival. At the same time, it makes us proud to perform alongside some of the best creatives on the continent.
“We promise to deliver a good show that will wow audiences in Mzansi. We want to leave a lasting impression in Mzansi,” said Dube.
The Cradle of Creativity Festival is an international theatre and performing arts festival for children and young people hosted by ASSITEJ South Africa.
The festival showcases local, continental and international theatre, dance and music productions created for young audiences, while also providing opportunities for professional development and international cultural exchange.
Other productions lined up for the festival include Dimpho and the Catfish, Butterfly Heart, The Boy and The Ball and The Young Scientist, among others.
