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Trust Khosa
Zimbabwe’s play, ‘Song Unburied’, has caught the attention of more African countries with Zambia and Nigeria being the latest
in line to watch it.
Last weekend, the play was shown at MadSoc Theatre in Lilongwe, Malawi, where the feedback was overwhelming.
The Malawian tour came after its successful run in South Africa and the French-speaking Comoros.
In Malawi, it was given an AA rating by the Censorship Board of Malawi, a boost for local theatre practitioners.
The play was written by Panashe Chigumadze and directed by Daves Guzha.
In an interview, Guzha said the feedback was overwhelming, with two more countries set to host the play.
“Malawi was fantastic. We had two performances at MadSoc Theatre where we attracted very good audiences. We left them
clamouring for more,” said Guzha.
“We have Zambia and Nigeria in November and a brief re-run at Theatre in the Park from October 31 to November 2. We will
have a tour of Zambia and Nigeria from November 15 to 27.”
The play is performed by Dalma Chiwereva, Charmaine Mujeri, Tinevimbo Chimbetete and mbira player Abel Mafuleni.
In the play, Mujeri plays the role of Rambisai Mangosho, the first black curator at a British Museum.
Her colleague, Chiwereva, shows her versatility with three roles – Mbuya, Mai Rambi and Tsitsi.
The play calls for the return of anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda’s remains from an overseas gallery, which has opened old
wounds over her unburied bones. In this play, Mbuya Nehanda is among several icons whose remains were taken to Europe as
trophies of conquest.
In African culture, it is believed that the dead will not rest until they get a dignified burial, followed by a traditional ceremony.
Meanwhile, Theatre in the Park is set to host a Malawian play titled ‘State of the Ape’ this weekend.
Performed by Taddja Nkhonjera, the play was written and directed by Stanley Mambo.
Hazel Musochera and Guzha are the co-producers of the play running on Friday and Saturday at Harare’s theatre hub.
Online Reporter