The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
THEATRE in the Park (TITP) will this month kick-start its 2017 regional and international drive by staging a Zambian dance drama, “Kozo”, from March 29 to 31.
“In a bid to grow regional and international relations we will be bringing in two productions from Zambia and Kenya in the months of March and April. Such exchanges of works assist us in appreciating other styles and works whilst edifying the human spirit of our audiences and fellow artistes.
This deliberate trajectory will dominate our 2017 calendar with productions from South Africa, Burkina Faso and the UK already confirmed,” said TITP boss Daves Guzha.
“As I stated earlier this year, we have managed to establish partnerships with theatres in Zambia, Uganda and Kenya, and what we want is to have local productions being showcased in those countries as well, at least once every two months and vice versa. So this marks the beginning of that work.”
Guzha said he had started inviting works from local production companies to consider for the exchange programme.
“I have since started the process of inviting works from Zimbabwe to tour in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya as we have established a conveyor belt system with like-minded venues and production houses who are very eager to see an increased methodically planned and sustainable development as well as exchange of work. “Negotiations with Lloyd Nyikadzino’s Tumaini have started in earnest as we do our small part,” he explained.
Meanwhile, TITP will stage “Look No Further” — written by Getrude Munhamo — from March 21 to 25.
Munhamo is honing her writing skills under the supervision of Guzha and her teacher is pleased with her progress thus far.
Said Guzha in praise: “‘Look No Further’ will be Getrude’s third play in just under a year with ‘Lamentations @12’ and ‘Death Penalty’ being her first and second respectively. She is proving to be a versatile writer who immerses herself in research work and still breathes new life into her characters. Though her first two plays were commissioned works, they are still creatively told.”
Guzha said TITP was open to working with other artistes to them fulfil their potential.
“As Theatre in the Park we believe in working with various writers, tried and tested as well as new ones. The new edition of ‘State of the Nation’, which we are showcasing on March 28 is a mix of writings from newcomer Helen Morris and the seasoned Raisedon Baya.
“This style is most likely to dominate all strata of our work as we refresh and introduce collaborations. That is the way forward to sustainable and fully developed works,” said Guzha.
“Look No Further” is staged by experienced performers in the mould of Eunice Tava, Stewart Sakarombe and Charles Mucheriwa.
There is also new talent in Chido Ann Tenga and Lucky Mpofu. Nkululeko Sibanda directs the play.
