Chipawo shines in Germany Chipawo perform at the World Children’s Theatre Festival in Germany. (pic by Tafadzwa Zimoyo)
Chipawo perform at the World  Children’s Theatre Festival  in Germany.  (pic by Tafadzwa  Zimoyo)

Chipawo perform at the World Children’s Theatre Festival in Germany. (pic by Tafadzwa Zimoyo)

Tafadzwa Zimoyo in LINGEN, Germany
Zimbabwe’s Children Performing Arts Workshop stole the limelight here with a stunning performance at the 13th World Festival of Children’s Theatre.
The group of 14 children from the age of six to 17 wowed the crowd at the Park of Colours, when they staged their play titled “Colours – My Strength, My Culture”.
The festival which runs until August 1 will see countries such as Colombia, Germany, Denmark, South America, Uganda, Canada, Bangladesh, China, Netherlands, Russia, Argentina, Japan, Belgium, Greece, Paraguay, Palestine and Zimbabwe taking part.

Chipawo’s play was hailed by theatre buffs from different countries who described it as “colourful and original”.
The group was awarded with certificates of participation and a “Colour Your World” award.

In an interview with The Herald Entertainment, Chipawo manager Chipo Basopo expressed joy at the festival.
“We have been waiting for this moment and it took months to prepare. I am happy that the team put up a scintillating performance. I was surprised to hear that tickets for our show were sold out and this made us nervous and at the same time excited that our play was a hit,” she said.

She said the festival was a platform for children to showcase their talent.
“Our six-year-old Rufaro Chipango was the main attraction as everyone was shocked with her dance moves. The children will learn a lot of music and dance from other countries. The festival is like a playground of art,” she said.

Artistic director Nils Hanraets said the theme for the festival encouraged children to understand the importance of arts in their lives.
“Our festival offers a stage to children, a stage on which they present themselves in their total range of colours – but will not be viewed through coloured glasses. It’s a platform through which they present their stories, wishes, visions and utopias among others,” he said.

“Zimbabwe is talented and we hope to invite them for the next edition.
“I was so touched and impressed with the Zimbabwean play. It was very powerful and energetic. I am happy that they made it,” he said.

The festival is in its 13th year and Zimbabwe has performed at the event twice.
About 300 children are attending the festival where they are mentored by renowned world arts directors ranging from music, dance and theatre. The workshops are meant to develop and empower children through arts and cultural issues.

Chipawo will leave for Denmark later this week for a cultural exchange programme and stage a series of performances. The team will return to Zimbabwe on August 11.

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