BY SHARON SIBINDI HWANGE-BASED Vulindlela Theatre Company has turned to radio to explore new avenues to reach out to citizens in different communities during COVID-19 pandemic.
The group, which mainly focuses on stage plays, appears to have found radio as an alternative performance space.
Its Kungwavhangwavha (Hustling) drama will be aired in Nambya by one of their local radio stations, Breeze FM starting this month.
Theatre director Michael Kanyika told NewsDay Life & Style that there are a lot of opportunities in using radio drama to reach out to old and new audiences.
“With several national and community radio stations in the country, this space has not been fully explored in the past. So, the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the performing arts industry on different fronts,” he said.
“COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the livelihoods of the artists and this has made us to use radio as a tool to showcase talent and will continue exploring the radio medium as an alternative performance space.”
“This new normal has necessitated the need for artists to adapt and find new spaces on which to showcase their creativity as well as continue to derive a living without contravening COVID-19 regulations.
Kanyika said the drama was pregnant with real life issues that affect the populace, adding that their followers should expect more radio dramas in the future.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The drama carries various themes of life such as hustling and it’s challenges and benefits of such a lifestyle. It also tackles issues of infidelity, the importance of educating the girl child, good conduct at workplaces and school, drug abuse and corruption,” he said.
“We are still in the path of producing more radio dramas, but Kungwavhangwavha was produced by myself working with The Creative Ideas Arts Consultancy, who provided us with all the required expertise in producing radio drama alongside Music Life Records.”
He said the drama revolved around the life of a struggling family of four. To make ends meet, Gebhuza finds himself hustling to supplement his income, but instead of using responsibly the money he acquires clandestinely he, however, spends it on self-fulfilling sprees.
On the other hand, Gebhuza’s wife Tambulani partakes in anything that brings extra cash home. Their two children, Tobelani and Zondiwe have to embrace the good and face the challenges brought about by this kind of life.
The family is surrounded by accomplices, sympathisers and those who reprimand them.
Kanyika said the drama’s cast include Lawrence Nyendwa as Gebhuza, Mildred Nkomo as Tambulani, Adrean Ndlovu as Tobelani, Marvellous Neshavi as Zondiwe, Ignatious Phiri as Mayilo, Bornface Siduli as Marufu, Sipiwe Mathe as Jululu, Simephina Nyoni as MaThuli, Prince as Bhajila and Michael Kanyika as Mr Banda.”
Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon
