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Mambokadzi Theatre on stage

Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent

Mambokadzi Theatre will stage a play titled “Mama Africa” at Hurungwe Arts Festival that will be held in Karoi this weekend. The play was staged at the official opening of Theatre in the Park early this year and it was also part of the Harare International Music and Food Festival. Play writer and director of Mambokadzi Theatre, Enisia Mashusha said the play explores various issues that affect women in the contemporary society.“We have women that are disadvantaged because of issues like early marriages and physical abuse by their husbands among other various issues. In the play the women will be telling their stories,” she said.

Mashusha said child labour is also a topical issue in the play as they portray that Children are not getting enough time to do their school work and play since they are given overwhelming roles at home.

“These are some of the issues we seek to explore in the play. We hope people will understand it and take the lessons home.”

Festival coordinator Joel Zilala said the stage was set for the two-day fete that will be held in venues at Karoi town centre.

He is happy that the number of artists who registered this year was higher than the last edition. “We called for registration early this year and that is the reason why they applied in numbers,” he said.

Musicians Tatenda Mahachi and Biggie Tembo (Jnr) will also perform at the event.

Apart from music several plays, poetry and comedy events are lined up at the fete.

“There are a lot of events lined up at the festival. We have art groups that will come from different parts of the country as well as local groups. People are definitely spoilt for choice at the festival,” he said.

The festival has been instrumental in exposing talents from the province.

It has brought artists from several parts of country and the network has benefited artists in Mashonaland West. “We wish to develop talents from the festival as well as bring art to the community. We are happy that sponsors have been coming on board and the community has supported the initiative,” said Zilala.