Bulawayo-based internationally-acclaimed theatre group, Siyaya Arts, has extended its tour of the United Kingdom after arriving in that country late owing to a strike by Air Zimbabwe pilots.
Siyaya Arts group director Simon Mambazo Phiri told NewsDay that the group had to cancel their scheduled performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. They were supposed to leave Zimbabwe at the end of last month and showcase the production, Zambezi Express, at the Assembly Theatre until month-end.
“Despite the Edinburgh cancellation, the extended tour of the United Kingdom will see the group performing in Wales, England and Ireland showcasing Thatha, albeit with a smaller cast, finishing in October,” said Phiri.
They had initially planned to take with them a large group of 20, cast and crew.
Phiri said the cancellation of the Edinburgh performance has seen the group losing a staggering £50 000 in potential income.
“Last year at the Edinburgh Festival, Zambezi Express won the MTMUK Award for Best Ensemble,” he said.
When the tour ends in October, Siyaya will be back in Zimbabwe for a Southern Africa run of Zambezi Express and preparing for their annual Ibumba Festival which is set to begin mid-December.
