WATER Games, an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s, An Enemy of the People by local playwright Christopher Mlalazi is set to premiere at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).
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Hifa is scheduled to run from April 28 to May 3, 2015 and the play is pencilled for May 3.
Directed by German director Jens Vilela Neumann, the play features a star-studded cast of Zimbabweans that includes Michael Kudakwashe, Kudzai Sevenzo, Tichaona Mutore and Gertrude Munhamo.
Cornelius Muponda adds to the flavour with some exciting music.
Berlin-based Neumann has experience of working in Africa, mainly in Mozambique and Angola as well as various European countries. While the original plot in An Enemy of the People follows a doctor’s discovery of Infusoria contaminated water being dumped in the town’s public baths, Water Games explores the drinking water situation which makes it even more interesting.
The play is an interrogation of the perennial drinking water challenges plaguing most communities on the continent and Zimbabwe in particular.
It is not only the dirty water coming from the taps, beyond is another world where it is “dog eat dog”.
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The comical tone of the play combined with music is bound to leave anyone in stitches.
Neumann said: “First of all, it feels good to be in Zimbabwe and to be performing at Hifa. The cast is so talented and I can promise a show that will certainly leave a lasting impression.
“The project started when I met Zimbabwean writer Christopher Mlalazi in Berlin at a reading of his book Running With Mother. This culminated in a long research that saw Mlalazi adapting Ibsen’s work and the experience has been so worthwhile.”
Mlalazi is not new to Hifa as he has showcased plays such as Election Day and Colours of Dreams. Both shows were hits with Election Day going on to win the National Arts Merit Award for best theatrical production. The play is supported by Aktion Afrika in partnership with the German Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe German Society, Hivos, Norwegian Embassy and Xpressive Arts. After it premieres at Hifa, the play will go on a national tour before taking to Germany and Norway.
