The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
Girls and women from across the whole world have always been victims of terrible sexual abuse.
Sadly, in most cases, the victim, who is usually blamed by society, is often labelled loose. In some cases, victims are ignored or are told to play along.
Kutamba chiramu has seen many underage children being forced into marriage, with society turning a blind eye.
But will this abuse ever end, is it getting worse?
These were some of the issues explored in the play “I Will So That You Will Not”, which premiered at the Theatre in the Park, presented by Edzai Isu Trust.
The play comes loaded with energetic, humourous traditional and contemporary dances and songs that are highly infectious. Thus from start to finish, the audience is captured.
It also showcases how preachers and prophets, who were once seen as the go-to folks when one was faced with challenges, are abusing their positions in society.
Clergymen are nowadays hogging the limelight for the negatives. They have become villains in society as they are raping and impregnating women and girls in exchange for “the anointing” to satisfy their lustful desires.
Society often tries to defend these “shepherds”. Ultimately, these culprits are left to roam freely, damaging the lives of many more innocent women and girls.
The production also highlights how the issue of sexual health education is perceived differently in society. For instance, it is not everyone who agrees that primary school students must be taught how to use condoms, especially in areas with strong traditional roots.
In these traditional strongholds, many see that as taboo. However, some argue that it is important that the children be educated on the subject as some are already sexually active or can be better positioned to make decisions when they become active.
The play also places a demand for society to stop downgrading women and start seeing them as key players.
“. . . women should not be reduced to being supporters of men in society. We are not just there to ululate for them when they are vying for top posts in Government and after they win they begin to abuse us using the power they would have amassed after we voted for them. . .” demands one of the actors from the play.
However, though there are many pertinent issues raised in the play, its quality could have been much better.
Considering that the play is written, directed and produced by a seasoned thespian, Tafadzwa Muzondo, one would expect it to be of superb quality throughout.
There are some scenes that lack of coherence. Fortunately, these grey areas are outshined by the good script.
The production, which has a six-member cast comprising of Samantha Ndlovu, Lovejoy Mwawonekwa, Charlotte Munyanyi, Charles Biniweri, Loveness Lutere and Tafadzwa Muzondo will soon be going on a national tour.
