The cast has just completed a successful tour of South Africa where they played in front of opinion leaders, civic society, media, artists, students, academics, politicians, peace activists and Zimbabweans.
In Zimbabwe performances met with incessant harassment by state security agents, who deemed the play ‘too political’ after it exposed human rights violations – particularly the government’s failure to implement a programme of National Healing.
The star-studded cast has been arrested and detained, Nonetheless, producers said they would not be deterred by the harassment adding theirs was a role to present a true picture of events in Zimbabwe.
“These trials and tribulations have strengthened our resolve to stand for freedom of expression and defend our professional work of being mirrors of society. The performances in South Africa came after our politicians recently represented or misrepresented the Zimbabwean situation – hence the need for us to take a theatrical story of the suffering of those communities affected by politically motivated violence and their aspirations for healing and reconciliation, without which they will not see peace,” said Daves Guzha, the founder of Rooftop Promotions.
While it has ruffled feathers of many in the inclusive government, Rituals has emerged as one of the most sought after productions in Zimbabwe in recent years.
Since its premiere in the Theatre in the Park in October 2010, it has been watched by 30 000 people in live performances as well as more than 260 000 people through DVD distribution.
Written by acclaimed and award-winning Stephen Chifunyise, Rituals features a star-studded cast of Mandla Moyo, Zenzo Nyathi, Joyce Mpofu, Silvanos Mudzvova, Chipo Bizure and Rutendo Chigudu.
Post published in: Entertainment