ZIM PLAYWRIGHT WINS BIG

Arts Correspondent
Zimbabwean Virginia Jekanyika’s play “The Cactus Flowers” which came first at the 24th International Radio Playwriting Competition is set to make its debut on BBC World Service this coming Saturday. Jekanyika’s play scooped the first prize in the English as the second language category while Australian Alana Valentine’s “The Ravens” came first in the English as the first language category.

In a statement, Jekanyika said she feels greatly honoured for winning the prize saying the story of Zimbabwean women has been head across the globe.

“Coming to the UK was life changing, I feel like my little voice has been amplified to the world, the story of many African women has been told and I know this is the beginning of good things to come in my career,” said Jekanyika.

On the other hand, the Executive Producer, BBC Radio Drama, London Marion Nancarrow said they are very happy to be bringing two different plays from different countries to be shown on BBC.

“We’re so happy to be bringing these wonderful new plays to World Service audiences across the globe.  From a tourist resort in Zimbabwe to Sydney’s red light district, these were standout scripts from two very talented writers whose plays open the door to very different worlds,” he said.

Jekanyika’s play which stars Adelayo Adedeyo and Haydn Gwynne, is set in the beautiful resort of Kariba, Zimbabwe, where three women are tired of working for their “madams” — washing clothes and cleaning the rooms of the nearby safari park. But they have ideas to make money for themselves.

Ndaka wants a better life for her children and Magi thinks she has fallen in love with a wealthy guest.

The park’s owner, Karen, is desperately trying to hide how bad business really is, while Ndaka’s husband, Max, has a vision to modernise.

However, when tragedy strikes, will it be tradition that saves them? It is directed by Marion Nancarrow. Meanwhile, The 24th International Radio Playwriting Awards also included the newly introduced Georgi Markov prize which went to Ana Gonzalez Bello from Mexico for her play Diablo and Romina.

The new prize which honours the script with the most outstanding potential from the competition’s shortlist was set up in memory of the writer and BBC World Service journalist Georgi Markov who championed freedom of creative expression.