According to University of Zimbabwe psychology student, Phyllis Turner, his performances have been a huge attraction and much appreciated.
“His poetry has been inspirational and has brought life to our general activities. Before, some of the inmates would not take part in any activities we used to come up with,” said Turner.
“In most cases our patients are not visited by their relatives because of the stigma attached to mental illness. Having someone coming regularly to read and perform to them is wonderful. It has done magic for the inmates.”
Chirasha, whose work is featured in over 40 journals and anthologies around the world, says the performances are his gift to a group that has been isolated by the mainstream society.
“As artists, we should feel duty bound to share our artistic work with those who are facing challenges in their lives”.
“I believe art is all about being innovative and being able to share some of life’s beauties,” said Chirasha, who is also director of the girl child creativity project designed to mitigate underrepresentation and unbalanced participation of young female writers and poets.
Some of his published works include Identity Apples, Anthem of the Black Poet, Decade of Bullets, Haiti My Generation, and the popular African Names.
Post published in: Arts