In an effort to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence, Savanna Trust through the support of the Culture Fund and the Swedish Embassy has come up with a seven-episode radio drama programme that seeks to raise awareness and dialogue on issues of GBV.
by Tinashe Sibanda
The programme is split into a 15-minute drama that explores various issues of GBV.
It then hosts panel discussions and live phone in and WhatsApp that allows listeners to engage with the issues raised by the drama.
According to Savanna Trust, the continued rise of GBV cases in Zimbabwe has created a need for diverse strategies that can assist in combating this pandemic that has engulfed our society.
It is really frightening how people are losing lives and their livelihoods as a result of violence in the homes and communities.
Many women, men, girls and boys are being violated physically, sexually and emotionally in their homes and communities on a daily basis.
“Savanna Trust has been working in Domboshawa, Hatcliffe, Karoi, Hurungwe, Bindura and Shamva from November 2013 using theatre to raise awareness and create dialogue on GBV and women’s rights. While working in these communities, it was realised that issues of GBV were real and so entrenched in these and other Zimbabwean communities,” said Savanna trust director Daniel Maposa.
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He said many people, particularly women and young people were suffering in silence as a result of GBV and there was also a realization through different reports and media that a lot of people were losing lives and livelihoods as a result of GBV so this prompted Savanna Trust to initiate a project that would see these issues discussed at national level, using of course the drama methodology.
“At Savanna Trust, we believe that drama and theatre enable people to reflect and critically think about issues presented. In this instance, radio drama would interest people to listen to issues they would otherwise not give time for, as the presentation would be interesting.
“This therefore is Savanna Trust’s small way of contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Their radio programme started on December 24 while the community theatre part started in November 2013 and they are planning to reach out to more communities using theatre as well as producing more radio dramas that can reach out to more people in 2015.
“Where radio cannot reach, we hope to do that using community theatre.
“We are also using social media to reach out to other people. Currently we are posting the episodes on our website: ww.savannatrust.com, and our Facebook page, savanna trust,” added Maposa.
The programme is produced by Savanna Trust.
The dramas are written by Leonard Matsa, Elton Mjanana and Rudo Mtangadura.
Daniel Maposa directs the dramas while various actors like Teddy Mangawa, Judith Tsoka, Antony Tongani, Silvanos Mudzvova, Derrick Nziyakwi, Carolie Mashingaidze, Sitshengisiwe Siziba, Rumbidzai Musarurwa, Stewart Sakarombe, James Jingo and Tafadzwa Muzondo are some of the experienced actors in the drama.
Maposa said this year Savanna Trust would continue with the GBV programme which would also implement a project on raising awareness on the constitution focusing mainly on the Bill of Rights, will produce its major production for 2015 called Double Bill 13 and 14 and host the annual Protest Arts International Festival on October 22 to 24.
