Multi-award-WINNING actress and producer Chiedza Rwodzi returns to the stage with her critically-acclaimed play Strangers and Revelations, set to be performed at Harare International School (HIS) on January 15 and 16.
Renowned for its emotional depth and fearless storytelling, the production explores themes of identity, love, faith, hidden trauma and the quiet truths revealed through unexpected human encounters.
The play will run on Friday from 2pm to 5pm and on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm, offering audiences an intimate and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
NewsDay (ND) journalist Tendai Sauta caught up with Rwodzi (CR) ahead of the performances to discuss the inspiration behind the play, its impact and what audiences can expect. Find excerpts below:
ND: Congratulations on the upcoming performance of Strangers and Revelations. What inspired you to create this play and what themes do you explore?
CR: Thank you. The play was inspired by everyday encounters, strangers we meet who unknowingly mirror our deepest truths. It explores identity, hidden trauma, love, faith and the courage it takes to confront uncomfortable truths.
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ND: Your play has received numerous awards. What does this recognition mean to you and how has it impacted your approach to storytelling?
CR: The recognition is humbling. It reassures me that honest African stories resonate. It’s pushed me to be bolder, more vulnerable and intentional in the stories I choose to tell.
ND: Can you tell us about the cast and crew behind Strangers and Revelations?
CR: I’m working with an incredibly committed cast and a tight creative crew which believe in the story. What makes this production special is the trust and collaboration; everyone brings their whole self to the work.
ND: The Harare International School is a unique venue, what drew you to this location?
CR: It offers an intimate yet polished setting. The space allows the audience to feel close to the emotions on stage, which is essential for a story like this.
ND: The play has been described as thought-provoking and emotionally charged. What do you hope audiences will take away?
CR: I hope audiences leave reflecting on their own lives and questioning, healing and maybe seeing others with more compassion.
ND: As a multi-award-winning film producer and actress, what do you enjoy most about performing live?
CR: Theatre is raw and immediate. There’s no pause or retake and most of all the energy exchange with the audience is powerful and deeply fulfilling.
ND: Can you share some behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the play?
CR: Time and emotional weight were major challenges. We overcame them through discipline, honest conversations and trusting the process even when it was uncomfortable.
ND: The title Strangers and Revelations is intriguing. What does it mean?
CR: It speaks to how strangers often trigger revelations within us. Sometimes it takes an unexpected encounter to uncover truths we’ve buried.
ND: What role do you play in the production, and how does it differ from your previous work?
CR: I play a layered, emotionally complex character that require me to strip away performance and lean into vulnerability. It’s one of my most demanding roles yet.
ND: How does the play contribute to the Zimbabwean theatre scene?
CR: It adds to the growing body of bold, contemporary Zimbabwean storytelling, stories that are honest, relevant and unapologetically local.
ND: What’s been the most memorable moment in the lead-up to the performance?
CR: Watching the cast transform during rehearsals. Seeing the story come alive has been incredibly rewarding.
ND: What message would you like to share with your fans and supporters?
CR: Thank you for believing in local art. Come and experience the story with us, it may reveal something about you.