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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
The recent Xenophobic attacks in South Africa did not affect just those of the targeted nationalities based in that country but their families back home as well, asserts a new drama titled Xenophobia.

The drama that is in its final editing stage will be released sometime this week. Director and script writer of the drama Givemore Julius said he got the inspiration from real live stories of ordinary families and their reactions to the changing dynamics caused by the trauma.

“The drama focuses on the effects of the attacks back home and also in the neighbouring country,” said Julius.

He said though they are highlighting the effects on a lighter note it was important for Zimbabweans to assist the victims of the attacks.

“These issues are not fiction but real. Some women have resorted to prostitution and some other means of getting money for their families because those who were bread winners were affected by the attacks,” he said.

He says it is the duty of the media and the artistes not to just let the public know what is going on in South Africa but also analyse the implications.

The drama features popular comedian Charles “Marabha” Merisi, William “Anaconda” Imedi and Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere.

The story is about Anaconda who erroneously gets reported as dead on television news.

He comes back home and finds his wife already in the hands of another man. She says she had not time to grieve as the family immediately needed looking after.

Aphiri who plays the role of a friend to Anaconda said it was good that they managed to unite as comedians and add their voice on such an important and topical issue.

“We have heard musicians from across the continent singing against the attacks and it is good for us as comedians to add our voice to that,” he said.

The producers and the artists said they would not be expecting to make any money out of the production as it is meant to disseminate information to all.