A COUPLE of weeks ago, an assemblage of Lusaka-based theatre artistes teamed up to stage a Zimbabwean-themed play Washington Junction written by Tafadwa Muzondo
Directed by the National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) national chairperson Boyd Kaimbi Chibale, one of the local bold, valiant and intrepid actors I know – he has co-produced this play as part of BKC Media productions.
Edward Lange, one of my consistent, dependable and unfailing stringers watched the play at Lusaka Playhouse, and brought me this report.
He wrote, “Washington Junction brought old memories, and above all the play was a learning device for young theatre players with the experienced, energetic and committed actors and actresses that went on stage in this play.
“When I was invited by Boyd Chibale to witness the re-birth of the Lusaka Playhouse auditorium; having gone into oblivion for some time now, I did not realise this would be thrilling at all. I excitedly watched several vehicles drive into the parking lot as veteran actor Crawford Moyo welcomed patrons.
“I felt a tinge of nostalgia as I recalled the olden days; this was good. I saw the presently undone experiences by most theatre groups – the exceptional, admirable and brilliant theatrical ethics and organizational skills exhibited by the team prior to the performance. The stage was readily set, and the cast availably relaxing in the dressing rooms.
“The audience was mature, and mellow, despite my thinking those who hang imbibing in the unclosed bar did not mind about what was happening in the auditorium. They did not disturb the play as it mattered less to them. Sadly, strangely too these were the members of Lusaka Playhouse!
“The performance, answered one of the million questions, particularly when this springs from an African country. My struggle has been, is it possible to perform critical political plays on the continent and get away with it?
“My reservation was roundly answered; yes it is possible to perform such a play.
“Washington Junction, is understandably a vivid political satire, one acceptable good thing about it is its simplicity, and simplified set.
“The subject reflects on the twists, and shifts of matters in an imagined typical developing African state. The play winds on to interrogate, exhume and expose the role of politicians with some western culture and how dirty their money can be; censured issues such as homosexuality and other vices are brought to the fore!
Washya (Boyd Chibale) finds himself passing through a rough patch in his life. Running a car wash business was uneasy, but much more was keeping his girlfriend (Anna Katamanda) securely truthful and pleased! On the other hand a woman politician (Theresa Shindende – in real life a language Specialist at the Curriculum Development Centre and the co-producer of the play), promises Washya that his life was going to change, if he supported her rituals while keeping a steady intimate affair with her.
Events unfold, but gruesome are the doubtful favors women sort from their political male folk – this impacts negatively to realistic politics. But relief comes, when a commoner (Christine Ngoma) decides to stand as Member of Parliament, and stands her grounds as a truthful, serious-minded and upright woman.
In one bend the well-to-do woman is disowned by her son (Jerome Mbewe) who chooses to work for himself on the streets than depend on his mother’s dirty money. In another bend this phase brings to light the matchless, although little known cause why it seemingly appears most young people from affluent families tend to get caught up in foul situations!
“The play was exciting, well coordinated by the Proprietors of the Company called MKC Media, which marketed the production. Although it was lined up to show for two nights Friday and Saturday, nature unfortunately made it impossible for the second day.
“The performance, for me was a true testimony that, Zambia still has capable individuals and institutions capable of managing mainstream Theatre.
“According to Boyd Chibale, the play is schemed for Mufulira’s Little Theatre on May 29 and 30 to be followed by another visit to Metro theatre in Kitwe on 5 and 6 June.”
Edward Lange, I must thank you for your enthusing review. I will be pleased to hear from others; if you could write about what is happening in theatre in your area.
I last watched this play three years ago during the April International Theatre Festival when the Zimbabwean group, EdzaiIsu Theatre Arts Project staged it featuring the author Tafadwa Muzondo.
Undeniably, this is a good play which even when it is written by a Zimbabwean, the theme shares wide experiences, and benefits nearly every theatre goer in Zambia and other places. A must watch I recommend when finally the play comes round to your doorsteps.
On the other hand, Boyd unquestionably is an audacious actor as I clearly remember him in John Katebe’s two-character play Madam President as part of Vivienne Wamala Silwamba’s Wam Arts Promoters acting alongside Given Kateule. Madam President was directed by old hands Pulani Munthali.
Fine for today; I am off to Chingola this weekend to watch The Family; more about it next week.
john.kapesa818@yahoo.co.uk – 0955-0967-0977-710975