The facility, named the Old Mutual Theatre Alliance Francaise, which has the capacity to cater for at least 100 people, offers free facilities to members of the arts, cultural and educational community in Zimbabwe.
In his address to members of the media in Harare, Old Mutual Group Chief Executive, Jonas Mushosho said his organisation invested $75 000 towards the conversion of the old facility at Alliance Fraincaise into the multi purpose theatre.
“The theatre will serve as a music hall, for movie and film screenings, exhibitions, conferences, meetings, rehearsals, lecture demonstrations and a reception for special events among others,” said Mushosho.
He said because his organisation values the contribution of artists to the development of arts and culture “Old Mutual will continue to explore ways of promoting sustainable development for the benefit of future generations.”
He said “The theatre is a multi functional and flexible space comprising of storerooms and dressing rooms for artists, stage equipment that will include dance carpets, instruments and music backline, state of the art lighting systems for concerts, plays and exhibitions and appropriate ambience and air temperature for optimum performances.”
Alliance Francaise Director, Charles Houdart said the facility is also going to be the hub and centre for marketing upcoming artists.
He said “Not only can upcoming artists get free equipment for their shows, but we are saying they can use this facility for their shows and still charge their audience and pocket 100% of the gate takings.
“Our aim is to ensure that artists, especially budding artists start making a living out of this industry. They can rehearse and use state of the art equipment to their advantage for free ”
The Acting French ambassador to Zimbabwe, Benoit Denise commended Old Mutual for the initiative and pledged his country’ s committed to the success of the arts and culture industry in Zimbabwe.
“We commend Old Mutual for the support rendered to upcoming artists in Zimbabwe and we fully support the arts industry as a tool for development,” said Benoit.
The launch of the Old Mutual Theatre Alliance Francaise is set for this weekend. Several artists including Chiwoniso Maraire, Hope Masike, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, Outspoken and Siyaya arts from Bulawayo among others are set to perform at the grand opening.
Post published in: Business