The Sunday Mail
THE local theatre industry may not be huge on the mainstream entertainment scene, but it has a rich history.
There are several theatre production companies, institutions and venues around the country but for many reasons, Reps Theatre stands out as one the most iconic theatrical companies around.
Reps – Repertory Players – is one of the oldest multi-racial theatre companies in Zimbabwe, having staged its first play in 1931.
Starting off as a play reading group in 1930, Reps would experience tremendous growth in the years to come, overcoming its fair share of challenges in the long run to become the institution of repute that it is to date.
The Sunday Mail Leisure visited Reps Theatre and caught up with the venue manager Peter Joe Smyth, who shed more light on the history and current activities of the institution.
“This is a very old institution, which was originally started as a play reading group in 1930 but then they later on decided to do plays.
“The first play was held on the February 17 1931 and because the group did not have enough members to do a full play they ended up doing two one act plays with the first one titled ‘Magic’ and the second being ‘Fame and the Poet’, which were performed at the Duthie Hall where the NSSA building now stands,” said Smyth.
The group moved to Prince Edward School in Harare where they resided for 11 years during which they presenting 38 plays, before going to the Salisbury show grounds in 1947. By 1957, the company had produced more than 100 plays and continued to grow in stature.
“As time went on, the venue at the show grounds was inadequate and in the end the Reps committee decided that a permanent home for the group should be found and in January 1956 they were allocated our current cite by the then town council.
“Funds for building the theatre were raised by members of Reps themselves and it was finally opened to the public on January 13 1960 with the bar opening in 1966.”
They came across a serious challenge when they made a decision to open the theatre to all races, something met with resistance from the Salisbury Public Works Committee.
They faced the risk of being denied a Public Building Certificate if they could not provide separate toilets to accommodate the various races that would be using the venue.
“Before this establishment was opened, there was an incident that came to be known as ‘The Battle of the Toilets’.
During that time there was a requirement by the then City Council that there would be separate toilets for different races.
“But I am happy to say that members stood their ground citing that racial divisions were not within their parameters and eventually about two weeks before the actual opening in 1960 they managed to overturn the ruling by the City Council. Reps has always been open to everyone, from the actors to the staff, we accommodate everyone.”
The theatre has over the years come under heavy criticism from various sections for being a European society, a notion which Smyth denied.
“If you come through to the theatre you will see that our staff, technical team, actors, people who come to audition, our members and even the audience is inclusive of all races.
“People might have a different conception of Reps but we are an open society that welcomes people from various races.”
The theatre currently presents around six theatre productions of their own every year where anyone who is interested in taking part is welcomed to audition.
“We have various productions which range from one act performances to musicals but at the end of the day we have to make sure that we cater for what people are willing to come and see, that is, pay for to watch.
“You will realise that productions that have a musical theme are quite popular and attract huge audience, for example, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers has proven to be a hit and we will actually be hosting them again later on this year.”
Despite their own shows, the venue is available for hire and this results in numerous other productions being showcased in the theatre throughout the year.
“We have played host to some of Hifa’s shows, we have done collaborations with schools and there are a host of other shows that are staged here.
“Last week Xtratime Entertainment used our venue to host Berry Hilton, who performed alongside Doc Vikela, Long John and ProBeats.”
Smyth said Reps was willing to partner educational institutions to develop local theatre.
“We have a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of the industry and I believe it would be beneficial if we partnered with educational institutions in order to pass on our knowledge to the next generation.”
Reps Theatre is equipped with both vintage and the latest gadgets, ranging from lights that were installed in the ‘60s to state-of-the-art LED lighting.
The main theatre can accommodate 461 people while the smaller upstairs stage has space for an audience of 55.Some of the prominent acts and organisations who have graced the theatre include Tumbuka Dance Company, National Ballet, Hifa, PJ Powers and Jah Prayzah just to mention a few.
