Story by Farai Gwaze
HARARE is playing host to the prestigious Almasi African Playwrights Conference, where international theatre experts are mentoring Zimbabwean writers to develop authentic local stories for the stage, fostering a new generation of dramatic storytelling talent.
Facilitators from the United States, invited by renowned Zimbabwean-American artist, Danai Gurira, are working intensively with local writers.
The conference focuses on the fundamentals of dramatic structure, character development and ensuring authentic storytelling rooted in Zimbabwean and African experiences.
US-based playwright and facilitator Ngozi Anyanwu described the engagement as both inspiring and creatively enriching, highlighting the importance of grounding theatrical work in truth and lived realities.
“My time in Zimbabwe has been absolutely inspiring. Being able to come here and talk to other Zimbabwe African writers and mentor them on the fundamentals of what makes a great play, great storytelling and telling authentic stories has been really exciting. In this area of Harare they have been working on 5 different plays, talking about different subjects. We have been navigating how to break down story, how to really make something sound authentic,” she said.
Fellow facilitator Mara Isaacs highlighted the unique potential she sees in the works being developed, noting that the programme encourages local artists to take creative risks, resulting in groundbreaking new work.
“It has been really exciting to be here because most of the writers I have been able to work with have such a specific and unique story to tell. I see so much potential in these plays and how they can resonate with audiences. It is incredible to see the impact this programme has had. Encouraging them to take big risks, be fearless about telling their stories and as a result we are seeing amazing new work, that otherwise would not exist,” Isaacs said.
The conference which ends this Saturday exemplifies the high-level international artistic collaborations strengthening Zimbabwe’s creative sector, by contributing to the nation’s cultural wealth and creative economy under Vision 2030.
