Zim playwright takes world stage

Tinashe Kusema

THERE are striking parallels between Zimbabwean playwright Thandiwe Mawungwa and her idol Danai Gurira.

Beyond their shared local heritage, both women are talented writers, whose profiles are on the rise in the world of theatre.

While Gurira has achieved global fame through her iconic roles as Michonne in “The Walking Dead” and Okoye in the “Black Panther” films, Mawungwa is making huge strides on the American stage.

Both women are passionate storytellers, who use their art to articulate their experiences and perspectives.

Danai Gurira

Gurira, who often refers to herself as a “Zimerican”, was born in the United States to Zimbabwean parents.

Her family returned to the country when she was five, but she later moved back to the US to pursue her education and career.

Through her work, she has brought Zimbabwean stories to American audiences.

Mawungwa’s journey to the American stage is equally inspiring.

“I have been writing since a young age,” said the 38-year-old playwright.

“However, my foray into playwriting began during my university years. After watching a disappointing play, I decided to write my own on the same topic.”

Her play “A Banquet of Sorts” won rave views, with the Courtauld Theatre in Mutare filled with people on three consecutive nights.

Prior to her breakthrough, the writing bug lay dormant within her, patiently awaiting its moment.

“Writing has always been my first love,” she said.

However, societal expectations and lack of career guidance led her to pursue a degree in computers, despite her disinterest in the field.

“Because I was a high-performing learner at school, who had little to no career guidance, I ended up studying Computer Information Systems and graduated top of my class,” she said.

Since the success of her debut play, “A Banquet of Sorts”, Mawungwa has continued to flourish as a playwright, penning numerous works and securing grants.

One notable project, “Pain Progress”, was commissioned by Intergrationsteatern (Sweden) and Savannah Arts Trust (Zimbabwe).

This opportunity allowed her to travel to Sweden to conduct research for the play.

Another significant work, “Two Dead Government Officials”, was performed by final-year students at the African Film and Drama Academy in South Africa as part of their coursework.

The play was later adapted into a short film by Mawungwa and her husband Charles.

It was screened at film festivals in Nigeria and the US.

Gurira’s influence extended beyond mere admiration.

Mawungwa had the privilege of working with ALMASI Collaborative Arts, founded by Gurira herself.

Through workshops and training programmes, she honed her craft and discovered her unique voice as a playwright.

Mawungwa’s latest work, “33 Cents”, has garnered international recognition, being selected for the Ojai Playwrights Festival in California.

This prestigious platform introduced her to a new audience in the US.

How?

Well, that is another fascinating tale.

“In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the United States when my play ‘33 Cents’ was selected for the Ojai Playwrights Festival in California,” she recalled.

“The following year, I returned to the US to attend another film festival, but due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my stay was unexpectedly extended to a year and a half.

“It was during this extended period that I applied for the prestigious EST/Sloan grant.”

Fast forward to 2023, she returned to the US once again, this time to witness the screening of two of her films at the “33 and Me Film Festival” in Pennsylvania, as well as a staged reading of her latest work — “How Power Flows”.

Of all her plays, “How Power Flows”, a recent project, holds a special place in her heart.

“I have had the privilege of visiting numerous remote villages, both for personal and professional reasons. During these journeys, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges that communities face in their pursuit of development,” said the playwright.

“When I saw the call for plays for the EST/Sloan project, I recognised an ideal opportunity to bring to life the story that had been brewing in my mind for years.

“The ability to share narratives that might otherwise go unheard fills me with immense pride.”

She is inspired by the everyday struggles, triumphs, failures, hopes, loves and pains of ordinary people.

“Usually, the ordinary person often goes unnoticed, so it is incredibly rewarding to be able to elevate their stories and present them in an extraordinary way.”

Mawungwa, a self-described “extroverted introvert”, is currently collaborating with her husband on their first feature film.

At the same time, she is also working on a new full-length play.

When she is not immersed in writing, she enjoys staying active and indulging in literature.

“I am an avid reader and only read for pleasure. I do not subscribe to the idea that one must read a particular book simply because it is popular,” she said.

“If I do not find a book engaging, I will not force myself to finish it, no matter how many people rave about it.”

In addition to her love for reading, Mawungwa is passionate about running.

“I enjoy running and inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle,” she said.