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Yocaf provincial preliminaries dates set

Life & Style
ORGANISERS of the annual Yocaf this year have introduced provincial preliminaries across the country that will determine schools that will qualify for the grand fete.

ORGANISERS of the annual Youth Cultural Arts Festival (Yocaf) this year have introduced provincial preliminaries across the country that will determine schools that will qualify for the grand fete.

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

Speaking to NewsDay, Yocaf artistic director Leeroy Gono said they have set March 20 as the date for the first provincial preliminaries to be held in Masvingo.

“As a result of the overwhelming response from the schools and the growth of the festival, this year we have introduced the Yocaf provincial preliminaries to give a chance to more schools to participate at the festival,” Gono said.

“Schools from the province will battle it out for three slots available for the final at the main festival.

“Yocaf will then move to Midlands, Manicaland, Harare and Bulawayo for the other preliminaries before coming back for the grand fete in Masvingo.”

Gono said the festival, which has become a mainstay of development of the arts in schools and communities, has witnessed rapid growth and this year’s celebrations promise to be bigger and better. “Yocaf aims to fill the need for the development of dramatic arts in the provinces and the nation at large.

Zimbabweans are extremely expressive and have a rich history of music, drama and dance.

“The political and social situation of the country is such that theatrical expression is vital to provide a form of entertainment as well as an avenue for discussion and public dialogue for artistes and audiences alike,” Gono said.

Gono said the festival will also give the Walter Muparutsa Award which was introduced last year in memory of the late iconic theatre practitioner who died of cancer three years ago.

Last year’s champions Pamushana High School made history by becoming the first school to be nominated for the National Arts and Merit Awards.

“After launching the Walter Muparutsa award last year, this award remains the biggest accolade that is up for grabs this year. The other two awards are the Professor Rungano Zvobgo and Doug Hill awards.”

The festival, which enters its fifth year this year, will be held from July 30 to August 1 under the theme I Will Act Now in Masvingo.