ZIYA Cultural Theatre Club, the group behind the hilarious comedy Sabhuku Vharazipi’s future seems to be bright after the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe recently released $4 000 for the production of Sabhuku Vharazipi Part 2.
REPORT BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
This development comes after the drama has taken over the country and arts sector by storm with the main actor David Mubaiwa, who acts as Vharazipi, being a favourite of many.
In a recent interview with NewsDay, Mubaiwa confirmed that he had received the funds and the group was currently in the studio working on new stuff.
“It is true that I received money from the Culture Fund and currently we are in studio for the production of Sabhuku Vharazipi Part 2 and we are working ahead for Part 3 as well,” he said.
However, Mubaiwa said he still needs more funds to do some other logistics.
“The money I was given is for production and we are thankful for that. We need money for some logistics remember we did not get much from the initial project because of piracy,” he said.
In an interview, Culture Fund spokesperson Olga Muhwati confirmed that the group deserved recognition.
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“Yes, I can confirm that the Culture Fund as part of its grant making processes which give financial and technical support to the arts and culture sector through the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) and other partners like the European Union and the UNDP, supported the second part of the drama with a grant of $4 191,00 as part of the 1st Cycle 2013 grant process.
“The Culture Fund recognised the value of the social commentary that is entwined in the drama that addresses societal issues in a light and funny manner while teaching and instructing on tradition and norms.
“The announcement for grants for the first cycle was made in the first week of May,” she said.
The move indeed is a milestone to Mubaiwa, who recently bemoaned how piracy has made him popular at his expense.
The drama tells of Sabhuku Vharazipi a corrupt headman who manipulates the distribution of food and other inputs in his area, to get what he wants, including women.
The headman abuses his position to seek sexual favours from the women in the village as well as gaining political mileage.
The comedy touches on a number of societal issues, among them corruption, hunger, and simplicity of village life.
