The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
SHE is currently regarded as one of the most brilliant thespians in Zimbabwe because of her focus and grit.
She has grown steadily in the game since her debut play “Pub Stories”, back in 2012, with which she won her first Nama gong, announcing her arrival in style. Six years later, Nyaradzo Nhongonhema aka Nyarie, is on a roll. After a successful run with 2016 production, “Liberation”, she has broken into her season of ‘firsts’, as she features in her first ever movie “Tete B”, TV drama series “Harare Working Wives”, as well as her debut one-woman stage play, “Faces”.
“Faces’ is a play about a woman with emotional scars,” said Nyarie.
“After facing abuse from loved ones, she is labelled mad after trying to reach out for help, she ends up in an institution.”
Nhongonhema revealed that she is feeling the pressure of having to deliver the goods all by herself.
“Being a one-woman act, ‘Faces’ has made me feel a bit of pressure. It is challenging in a good way because the task to entertain and impact lies entirely on me and that’s a big responsibility. The play is what I make it. It’s a good change from the usual multi-cast plays. But change is good like what ‘Faces’ says, ‘Change is necessary, change means growth, change means development’.”
“Faces” is set to première at Theatre in the Park on May 24 and will run for three nights. From the stage to the big screen – Nyarie shared with the Sunday Mail Society her experiences in “Tete B” and “Harare Working Wives”.
“Tete B’ is my first feature film appearance. It was shot last year in March and it’s coming out on May 12 at Ster-Kinekor Sam Levy. I am nervous, very sceptical about my performance as it was my first time to act in front of camera where facial expressions are minimal as compared to theatre.
“However, I am confident in the film because of the other talented cast members as well as the behind the scenes guys who did a stellar job. My other television appearance is in the new hilarious local series, ‘Harare Working Wives’. I am gradually getting accustomed to acting in front of the camera now and am looking forward to taking on new roles in television shows,” she explained.
But for Nyarie to be where she is, she had to invest in her own education first.
“University of Zimbabwe, where I studied for a BA Honours in Theatre Arts gave me the footing I needed. A strong foundation and some preparedness to get into the world of performance.
“Dell’Arte (USA) conditioned me for the world of theatre. The training and exposure I got through Dell’Arte gave me perspective and more appreciation on how theatre can impact communities and world view.
“Then I went for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) 2017 in the track of Business and Entrepreneurship. This opened my mind to business opportunities that creative arts has and slowly but surely I am exploring those,” she highlighted.
Nyarie encourages colleagues in the creative sector not to focus on one thing.
“As a creative, one doesn’t have to dwell and focus on one thing. Know acting, writing, directing, producing and behind the camera duties because that’s where the business opportunities lie. I have also always wanted to be a radio presenter and now for the first time again, I am working part-time as a producer/presenter at ZBC’s SFM. I am still training but it seems to be fun.”
