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Tafadzwa Zimoyo recently in Victoria Falls
The week-long Zimbabwe-Denmark cultural exchange programme that was held last week ended on a high note with the visiting Danish group, B&U Svendborg Theatre, commending their Zimbabwean counterparts for the fun-filled experience as well as the warmth and hospitality they received. Last year a Zimbabwean delegation under Children’s Performing Arts Workshop (Chipawo) visited Denmark for a week-long sojourn and performed in major cities.
This year’s cultural exchange, which was organised by Chipawo, was sponsored by the Zimbabwe Culture Fund with the two groups staging shows in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
B&U Svendborg Theatre teacher Pernillia Kopp said they enjoyed every moment of their visit and expressed the desire to visit Zimbabwe again if given another chance.
“Zimbabwe is a peace-loving country and sharing the stage with the children from this country was an experience of a lifetime. We have seen the Victoria Falls for the first time and it was an awesome experience,” said Kopp.
“I am definitely taking something back home and show the world that Zimbabwe is a true friend of Denmark.”
Kopp said culture unites people but divides humanity.
“Culture or religion is something which people created. It’s nothing but one’s way of living. When few people get together they tend to do similar things as a group. Their actions become their culture. Different people have ways of doing things and these define their religion, culture. This happens because our world is so huge and people are spread over in all places,” she said.
She said their play, “Dream Chasers” was about how people define dreams.
“The play centred on figuring out one’s dream and what is it on your way that can make you lose the dream. It happened in Danish landscape set up with imaginary creatures and four seasons in Denmark,” she said.
Chipawo manager Chipo Basopo said she was happy with how the tour went on.
“I am happy to say that everything went according to plan and the Danish team was excited to be in Africa for the first time. We are now working on the next project that we cannot discuss now but interesting things are happening for Zimbabwe in the arts and culture sector. I urge parents and stakeholders to accept and appreciate children in arts for they are the future stars,” she said.
The plays that the children staged revolved around promoting children’s rights. For instance, Chipawo’s play “Living Dream” was about the hopes and aspirations that children have for a brighter life supported by adults.
The girl child was also celebrated in the play “Who is Girl Child” that was staged as belated commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child.
Chipawo was established in 1989 as a platform of promoting children through the arts and cultural exchange programmes and has worked with various other countries to develop talent among young performers.
Online Reporter