Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THERE is something special about the relationship between Spain and Zimbabwe when it comes to promoting theatre and strengthening cultural ties.
Over the years, cultural exchange initiatives have become an important part of the relationship between the two countries, giving Zimbabwean creatives an opportunity to learn from international peers while showcasing their work on the global stage.
As local theatre grapples with challenges such as limited sponsorship, mentorship, and international exposure, the Embassy of Spain has played a key role in changing the narrative by supporting initiatives that empower theatre practitioners and create opportunities for professional growth.
The Embassy of Spain’s collaboration with the Mitambo International Theatre Festival (MITF) coordinators is set to come under the spotlight as the partnership continues to make an impact within Zimbabwe’s creative community.
Local theatre practitioners and enthusiasts have applauded the partnership for fostering cultural exchange, encouraging collaboration and creating new opportunities for the country’s theatre fraternity.
MITF returns to Harare from September 22-26 with a series of workshops, plays and engagements lined up under the theme “Belonging”, which explores the importance of inclusivity and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard.
Now in its seventh year, the MITF, with strong backing from the Spanish Embassy, gives local actors and theatre practitioners a platform to experiment with new approaches, exchange ideas, and engage with international peers.
Beyond the performances and workshops, the festival has become an important networking platform, connecting Zimbabwean practitioners with international artists and opening doors for collaborations that can extend beyond the festival.
Such engagements are vital in strengthening the local theatre ecosystem while giving practitioners greater confidence to compete and collaborate on the international stage.
Festival artistic director Teddy Mangawa firmly believes the upcoming edition will be a game-changer.
“The Mitambo International Theatre Festival will be held from September 22 – 26,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Under the theme ‘Belonging,’ Mitambo 2026 explores the human need for connection, identity, community and recognition.
“Through theatre, dance, music, conversations and artistic encounters, the festival invites audiences and artists to reflect on what it means to belong to a place, a culture, a community, a generation and, ultimately, to one another.
“Mitambo takes its name from the Shona word for “plays,” reflecting its central belief that theatre can create spaces where people meet, listen, imagine and see the world through different perspectives.” Being a platform where stories, people and cultures meet, Mangawa assured festival-goers that variety would be guaranteed at the event.
“This year, we are going to host groups from 10 countries, including Spain, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Colombia, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the US.
“A meeting place for Zimbabwe and the world, Mitambo has, over the years, brought together theatre-makers from Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for artists to share work, exchange ideas, develop new collaborations and engage audiences in meaningful conversations.
“The festival has deliberately positioned itself not simply as a series of theatre performances, but as a creative meeting place — a space where different cultures, artistic languages and experiences can encounter one another.” For Mitambo 2026, the theme “Belonging” provides a lens through which artists can explore some of the questions facing contemporary society.
He added: “Theatre offers a unique space for conversations because it allows audiences not merely to hear about another per-son’s experience, but to witness it, feel it and encounter it collectively.” The festival was established by the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy in 2019 and has since developed into an important platform for local, regional and international artistic exchange.
One of the major highlights of the 2026 Mitambo International Theatre Festival will be an appearance by internationally acclaimed Spanish theatre company Atalaya Teatro, which is set to conduct a special, hands-on workshop for theatre directors, actors and performing arts practitioners. Drawing on more than four decades of theatrical research and practice, participants will step into Atalaya’s unique creative world and explore physical and vocal training, biomechanics, physical and vocal scores, ensemble performance, stage imagery, rhythm, space, and spoken and sung choruses.
