As part of the celebration of the life and work of Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and painter, August Strindberg, Arts Investment Trust (AIT) will from tomorrow to July 21 cast his play titled Comrades at Reps Theatre, Harare.
Directed by Patience Tawengwa, Comrades is the debut production of AIT, a new organisation founded and registered in 2011 with an objective to foster growth and development of the theatre industry in Zimbabwe and to nurture self-sustainability of theatre productions through independent investments.
The Trust is the brainchild of three HIFA directors Alumni Tawengwa, Tawanda Mutero Kanengoni and Kudzai Chimbaira.
“The play will tour Sweden in October where it will also be expected to be part of the closing celebrations of the Strindberg Year, thereby presenting the Zimbabwean translation of Strindberg’s play in Stockholm,” said Tawengwa.
She said the production was part of the commemoration of the August Strindberg Year around the world and through a Swedish partnering organisation. Funding for the forthcoming tour had been secured through Stockholms Stad Kulturförvaltningen (City of Stockholm Culture Board) and Konstnärsnämnden (Arts Granting Committee) with the motivation that the presentation of the Zimbabwean translation of Strindberg’s play in Stockholm will provide diversity at the Strindberg year.
The play highlights marriage issues — the responsibilities of each of the parties, the proper relationship between them, their respective rights, duties and privileges. Comrades also highlights feminist issues.
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“Comrades features a powerful cast of four-Rutendo Chigudu, Privillage Mutendera, Kevin Hanssen and Leeroy Gono,” said Tawengwa. The play will be showcased every day except Sundays and Mondays at 7pm and there will also be a matinee show on Saturday afternoon.