MSU Presents King Lobengula’s Life Theatrical Piece at Mitambo Festival

MSU Presents King Lobengula’s Life Theatrical Piece at Mitambo Festival

Midlands State University students, from the department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts participated at the Mitambo International Theatre Festival which ran from the 20th to the 24th of September 2022, at Reps Theatre in Belgravia, Harare.

Mitambo International Theatre Festival is an annual fun-filled five-day international theatre spectacle.

The creative cultural summer gathering animates Harare – The Sunshine Capital of the World, with the best local and international theatre performances, exhibitions, installation masterclasses, critical talks, interactions and presentations.

MSU’s performance was based on king Lobengula’s rise and fall.
More than 30 students participated in the play along with some members of the Bulawayo community.

Film and Theatre Arts Lecturer, Scrah Mdala was the Director of MSU’s theatrical setpiece.

The festival is the brainchild of the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy Trust which is a youth-led initiative that focuses on uplifting the lives of young people by using art as a unique avenue of self-expression.

“The festival ensured that everyone in our community accessed fresh, thought provoking and high standard theatre performances.

“We aimed at creating a platform for international exchange and for engagement in education, creation, promotion and consumption in theatre arts for beginners and professionals, and to use theatre for mutual understanding and peace,” said Festival Coordinator Miss Courage Chinokwetu.

Main Acts included the Tumbuka Dance Trust, Gospel DJ Unlocked, Elysium Magna, Clowns without Borders and Music Crossroads’ Vazukuru VeAfrica Band. The hybrid festival featured regional and international acts from United States of America, Brazil, Macedonia, Spain, Lithuania, Poland and South Africa.

The theme for the festival is #Upturn which is Inspired by the need to turn up for each other beyond the crises and chaos facing the world.

The festival is inspired by the desire to entertain, educate and raise awareness on pertinent issues using the different modes of theatre.

MSU theatre students were accompanied by Zvishavane Campus Director Professor Advice Viriri and other lecturers from the Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts department.