BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO FIFTEEN students from the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy graduated with acting certificates at the institution’s fourth graduation ceremony held last week at Reps Theatre in Belgravia, Harare.
Some of the graduates who spoke to NewsDay Life & Style said the one-year course equipped them in various ways.
“I have always wanted to enrol at the academy and I was happy when the auditioning team picked me when it came to Bulawayo.
I have learnt to have my own voice, create, direct and do physical exercises,” Bulawayo-based Tanaka Munyavhi said.
“Implementing the knowledge I acquired, I managed to write my own solo shows which I will soon perform in cities around Zimbabwe.
“The shows are titled *143#, The Calling, Pastor Sigamba, and a clown performance.”
Munyavhi said he would start his performances in his home town since that is where his talent was identified.
“I also want to change the system and how the theatre is run in Bulawayo. If you are not a big fish, you are not allowed opportunities to showcase your talent.”
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Another graduate Rudo Zimunya said since Mutare had less opportunities for theatre, she would contribute towards changing the status quo.
“I hope I am going to inspire someone and give back to the community. I want to change Courtauld Theatre to be a home for Mutare artists,” she said.
“I need to fix the stage and the auditorium at Courtauld Theatre. I don’t know how to do it, but I know I will find a way. If there are other people willing to support, they can come forth.”
Model, musician and actress Praise Chagumachiyi, who featured in popular series Wadiwa Wepamoyo as Tarie, said being an actress without a certificate was not enough for her.
“All the acting experience I had was not enough because I never went to a film school.
I am happy that now I am a certified actress. I am a lady who wants to go international and I felt that the academy had an international feel and would help me achieve this goal,” she said.
“I also dream to be a film director and that being the case I thought that I should start with theatre to help me build a foundation for film as I pave the way to being a director.”
Tarie believes she will make a positive impact in the creative industry.
“I look forward to creating theatre, solos or duets. I have learnt to work with an ensemble or other people.
I will use the knowledge that I got to impact other people as I look forward to introducing theatre in children’s homes,” she said.
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