adminThe purpose of the shows are three pronged. Besides the gender activism campaign they also form part of Intwasa’s post-festival performances efforts to keep the festival’s fire burning until the next edition in 2013. The plays are also part of Plan Zimbabwe’s continued Because I am Girl campaign, which seeks to highlight the plight of the girl child.
When Angels Weep, written by Blessing Hungwe and directed by the British director Giles Ramsay, has been scheduled for three performances at Bulawayo Theatre on 27 and 28 November.
When Angels Weep is the story of a young girl, Sarita, who is sold into sexual bondage by her favourite uncle, a betrayal so monumental that it splits the young girl’s character into two personalities. This character change serves as a defence mechanism through which Sarita can survive the horror that becomes her life.
In a statement to the Press, director of Intwasa Arts Festival, Raisedon Baya, said When Angels Weep was an appropriate play for the campaign because of its gender focus and the fact that a woman played the lead character, unlike the usual plays by Blessing Hungwe and Daniel Kudakwashe.
“When Angels Weep is a hard hitting play that opens up wide the world of child trafficking. In a surprise turn from the usual stage tussles of Blessing Hungwe and Michael Kudakwashe, this testosterone dominated team pulls a major surprise with this piece that hands the lead role to Privilege Mutendera,” the statement read.
Baya urged the theatre loving public of Bulawayo to come out in their numbers and support efforts to spread the message of gender equity while at the same time enjoying a well crafted play.
“This play is deeply incisive and masterfully crafted and people should come and catch the three performances of the play on 27 and 28 November at Bulawayo Theatre and also be part of this year’s crowd supporting the 16 days of gender activism movement,” read the statement.
The play, which was showcased to packed crowds at this year’s Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), was produced by NKM Theatre Initiative and directed by Ramsay a UK-based director who collaborates yearly with NKM.
Online Reporter