Directed by renowned artist, Matesu Dube, Umkhathi Theatre Works is also involved in the training of school children.
“My group specializes in multi-discipline arts such as dancing, drama, music and poetry. Through the Cultural Fund Trust of Zimbabwe, we are also assisting schools in Matabeleland in training children in theatre, music and traditional dancing. So far we have trained schools in each district,” said Dube in an interview with The Zimbabwean.
One of the schools trained, St Patrick Primary, was a finalists in last year’s Jikinya primary schools dance festival.
Umkhathi first represented the country in the Miti-Song Traditional festival in Botswana in 2001.In 2004 they graced the International Youth Festival in Aberdeen in Scotland.
“The Aberdeen festival proved to be a major breakthrough for us. We were the only group representing Africa at the festival and this gave us a lot of confidence” said Dube.
But the group was not spared the economic turmoil prevailing before the formation of the inclusive government.“Things were really bad for us during the Zimbabwe dollar era. Like every sector, the economic meltdown also hit us hard. People were not interested in supporting artists because they had other more pressing needs such as health to take care of,” he said.
Umkhathi has also participated in the Gcwalanga Maseko, a festival for different African theatre groups. The festival was held in Eastern Cape. Last year they won the Bulawayo provincial Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional competitions. The group went on to reach the finals of the national competitions but lost the throne to Villa 1 of Harare.
Early this year, the group was also voted the most outstanding dance group in the National Arts Merit Awards. They have introduced the Uhambo (The Journey) dance show – a journey through the inspiring music and traditions of Southern Africa’s tribal communities. It tells the story of a young man leaving home on a journey of love as he tries to raise the lobola(dowry) he requires to marry the king’s daughter.Music, dance and theatre combine to capture the spirit of Africa and the joy of love.
Post published in: Entertainment