Online Reporter
Arts Reporter
Theatre practitioners in Zimbabwe are eagerly preparing for the 2025 season with new and exciting productions to captivate audiences.
Following a revival of the theatre scene last year, the sector is poised for further growth, and expectations are high as production houses aim to build on last year’s success.
Peter Churu of Complete Arts Projects, who toured both the sub-region and the country with their acclaimed one-woman play “Molly Street,” assured fans that more thrilling performances await this year.
“Last year was indeed a successful year for us, and as we head into 2025, we are looking forward to more exciting times,” Churu said.
“Our play ‘Molly Street’ is still in high demand, and we will perform it in Johannesburg at Theatre on the Square, Sandton, from March 3rd to 8th.
“Locally, we’ve received requests to take it to other parts of Zimbabwe for those who missed it.”
Directed by Churu, the play features actress Chido Joan Tenga in the lead role of Molly, exploring themes of passion and domestic violence.
The soundtrack, provided by Patrick Tembo, enhances the emotional depth of the production.
Set in the late 1950s on a sugarcane plantation in Chiredzi, “Molly Street” addresses the factors leading women into prostitution and the abuse they face from violent clients.
Tenga’s powerful performance, in which she portrays multiple roles, resonates deeply with audiences.
The play serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many women in similar situations and is recommended for mature audiences.
A year after its initial production, “Molly Street” has continued to gain popularity.
Churu, who has been has been in the game for years, revealed that his production house is also working on two new plays: “Forty Days” and “Egoli Promises,” promising even more exciting content for fans.
“We have already begun rehearsals for ‘Forty Days,’ which is set during the Covid-19 era and delves into the mental health challenges faced by a woman stranded in England due to travel restrictions.
“The second play, ‘Egoli Promise,’ addresses migration issues, exploring the challenges fortune seekers encounter in new lands and the impact on families,” he explained.
Jasen Mphepo of Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre echoed similar sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
“We are committed to delivering a wealth of exciting productions.
“Last year was a fruitful season for us, and this year we plan to host eight productions, both local and international,” he said.
Mphepo also highlighted his own work, directing a play titled “Dinner at Sterling,” which he wrote and directed.
He expressed gratitude to loyal fans who have kept his production house thriving.
Other prominent figures in the industry, such as Daniel Maposa of Savanna Trust, continue to contribute to theatre development and mentorship programs, ensuring the sustainability of this vital art form.
Theatre guru Daves Guzha, currently on vacation, has provided creatives with valuable exposure.
His play “Song Unburied” garnered significant attention last year and is expected to tour Europe and other countries this year, contingent on plans proceeding smoothly.
This ritualistic play, which has toured Malawi, South Africa, and the Comoros Islands, called for the return of anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda’s remains from an overseas gallery and is considered one of Guzha’s finest productions in years.
Written by Panashe Chigumadze and directed by Guzha, the cast includes Dalma Chiwereva, Charmaine Mujeri, Tinevimbo Chimbetete, and mbira player Abel Mafuleni.
As the curtain rises on 2025, Zimbabwe’s theatre scene is set to flourish, promising audiences a season filled with creativity, passion, and thought-provoking narratives.
