THE inaugural Almasi Festival of the Arts — Africa Voices Now!, held from October 18 to November 7 at the Jasen Mpepo Little Theatre in Harare, marked a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s performing arts landscape.
The festival concluded on a high note with The Return, a play written by Rudo Mutangadura, directed by Chelsy G Maumbe, and performed by Sandra Chidawanyika-Goliath (Red T-Shirt) and Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi.
The emotionally charged production captivated audiences with its exploration of diaspora tensions, the challenges of caring for the elderly, and the emotional complexities of love and distance.
The play’s powerful performances and relatable themes left the full house deeply moved and reflective.
It was on the occasion of this attention-drawing and entertaining phase of the festival that Napoleon Nyanhi, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) chief executive officer, foretold a brighter future of the Almasi Festival of the Arts which are founded on the realised success run of the first edition.
In the same vein, Almasi’s deputy director Zaza Muchemwa said the festival represented Almasi’s strategic transformation after 13 years of dedication to private intensive training in the arts industry.
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“This event serves as the organisation’s ‘public coming out party’ to showcase the developed, world-class African talent,” Muchemwa said.
“The experience was awesome as it brought plays like The Return, Can We talk? and These Humans Are Sick to global limelight. All plays were performed to full houses.”
Muchemwa reiterated that the core mission was “bringing the African narrative to the global stage” and generating significant public awareness about the talent in the Zimbabwean arts scene, highlighting the work Almasi is doing to elevate the arts sector and giving practical examples of how art is a viable career path for creatives.
Nyanhi told NewsDay Weekender Life & Style that Almasi had led by example for launching a festival that he believes will grow into one of Africa’s most distinguished artistic showcases.
He emphasised that the event’s strong debut sets a promising foundation for future editions.
“The Almasi Festival has demonstrated that Zimbabwean theatre can match international standards in both creativity and execution.
“What we witnessed here is not just a performance series, but the birth of a cultural brand capable of carrying the Zimbabwean narrative to the world stage.”
Nyanhi further expressed optimism that the Almasi Festival would attract global recognition and partnerships, fostering cultural diplomacy and strengthening the arts economy.
He encouraged continued collaboration between the NACZ and creative institutions like Almasi to ensure sustained growth and professional development within the sector.
As the curtains closed on the first edition, the Almasi Festival of the Arts left an indelible impression and one of promise, purpose and professional excellence.
With adequate sponsorship and the passion of the creative community, the festival is poised to evolve into an internationally acclaimed celebration of African artistry, creativity and cultural identity.