Rituals leaves long lasting impression in Kenya

Four performances were staged and 2 000 DVDs of Waiting for Constitution and Heal the Wounds were distributed free of charge to a cross-section of people from politicians, civic workers, students and people in the street. We have been inspired by the fact that our work will inspire our continent towards non-violence and political tolerance, said Daves Guzha, producer of Rooftop Promotions who led the Rituals team in their Nairobi tour.

A cast of eight including Mandla Moyo, Zenzo Nyathi, Silvanos Mudzvova, Joyce Mpofu, Chipo Bizurre, Rutendo Chigudu, Gibson Sarare and Akupa Gabriel as well as Rooftops Marketing and Sales person, Tafadzwa Muzondo, participated in the festival, which brought together artists, peace builders, educators, development workers, community animators and cultural activists from conflict-affected African countries such as Burundi, Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Kenya among others.

Written by Stephen Chifunyise, directed and produced by Guzha, the play became an instant hit on the first day, getting a standing ovation. In the words of a Theatre Journalist/Critic with the Nation Media Group, Antony Njagi: All in all the show was well done in every aspect, particularly the rape portrayal, and I liked the use of music and dance to propel the message of healing from political violence which is relevant to every African country where brother and sister fight and kill each other over political differences. The concept of pushing for community driven healing processes is very important because, we need village healing committees not national healing committees.