BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO
TOP theatre practitioner Eunice Tava has warned the Robert Mshengu Kavanagh School of Acting students who received certificates at the Zimbabwe College of Music for completing their foundation course early this week of the dangers in the industry, among them sexual exploitation.
Tava, who was the guest of honour at the event, told the students soon after presentation of their certificates that the theatre industry was full of temptations and as aspiring practitioners, they should not allow anyone to take advantage of them.
“This is one industry that is full of temptation. There is abuse that is mostly associated with exploitation of women. Sometimes it’s producers who do this. They will say you need to pay me this amount to be on this role or pay in kind. Let no one take advantage of you. We are relying on you to change this situation,” she said.
The renowned practitioner described theatre as an honourable profession that helps particular societies and define people’s identities.
“What this institution is doing to you in giving you exceptional acting training, is what will make you own the future, and control it,” she said.
Tava also encouraged established theatre practitioners to pass through training in order to further develop their talents.
“It’s entirely possible that someone is innately superb at the craft of acting, but talent alone will not lead to longevity and excellence in this career. It’s vital for all actors to keep developing their talent. Anyone who is seriously interested in the world of professional acting should also focus on skills acquisition and training,” she said.
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Founder of the school, Robert Mshengu Kavanagh, said the industry lacked experienced directors hence his readiness to offer directing lessons.
“We are trying to introduce actors who are versatile. The course that I really want to teach is directing because that’s the area I am more experienced in. This is one of the areas that Zimbabwean theatre is at the moment a bit short of. We don’t have trained and experienced theatre directors,” he said.
The students who received certificates are Adrian Moyo, Cathrine Taru, Ramos Samson, Molline Gambe, Kundaishe Chimbi, Moreblessing Bhunu, Tinashe Rukweza, Robert Chiyama, Gamuchirai Mukwakwami, and Nigel Chindongwe.
