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Harare Gardens yesterday. Looking on (right) is Rooftop Promotions’ board member Ray Mawerera

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Construction of state-of-the-art Theatre in the Park is expected to start within the next few weeks after Rooftop Promotions secured US$200 000 from its traditional sponsors, the Swedish and Norwegian embassies.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony held yesterday in Harare, Rooftop Promotions board member Ray Mawerera said the 500-seater venue will be completed before year-end. “The facility we are putting up here, which we hope will be completed before year-end, is designed to respond to the challenges the arts industry has been facing in terms of state-of-the- art venues.

“We believe that it will be a significant beacon in the regeneration of the City of Harare and have tried to ensure that it fits well into the city’s vision of being a world-class city by 2025.

“We only ask of our many friends in the theatre world and the business community that, in addition to your support, you help us maintain the new venue in as pristine a state as possible for a very long time to come, it is our legacy, so let us share in its collective ownership,” Mawerera said.

He urged artistes to give people relevant current content that would help Zimbabwe move forward even as it provokes the mind.

“We would urge scriptwriters in particular to look around them and come up with content that people can identify with, which will be given life on venues such as Theatre in the Park.

“There are new policies at a political and economic level, there are social and community issues, water and sanitation, abuse of minors, moral dysfunction, mental depression and anxiety as a result of job losses, new-age musical and cultural influences such as social media.

“All these challenge the artiste, who understands that his or her role to mirror society must be seized with the faithful energy and zest that it deserves,” Mawerera said.

Harare Mayor Clr Bernard Manyenyeni said the new Theatre in the Park will promote Harare as a centre of excellence for theatre lovers.

“As a council we are promoting Destination Harare and what an addition to our profiling. Brand Harare is going to benefit immensely as I am told international performing artistes are willing to come to Zimbabwe to showcase their talent in the proposed building,” he said.

Mayor Manyenyeni urged Rooftop Promotions to promote budding talent and discover untapped talent in the elderly.

“Artistes play a critical role in urban centres as they promote inclusivity, democracy and provide escape routes from socio, political and economic problems.

“The talent that you will groom from this centre should be the brand ambassadors for Harare and Zimbabwe.

“When you write your plays and other related works, may I appeal to you, talk about Harare and its abundant beauty,” Mayor Manyenyeni said.

Rooftop Promotions has already forged a partnership with the Harare City Council which provided land for the new venue and other partners are Umax, an internet service provider; and TBWA, an international marketing and advertising agency.

In the 17 years since its inception, Theatre in the Park has produced and hosted more than 260 productions at national, regional and international level.

Well over 2 200 actors, directors, stage mangers and producers have taken part in the programme.

The new venue is expected to hold at least 30 shows every year at it opens new opportunities to the creative artiste in Zimbabwe.

Among other firsts at the venue will be live streaming where thespians will follow plays in the comfort of their homes, theatre goers will be given complimentary DVDs of the plays they have watched.