Story by Colette Musanyera
ZIMBABWEANS are in for a rare treat in a play which features an all-female cast.
The play, which comes courtesy of Almasi Collaborative Arts will be held at the Zimbabwe German Society this Saturday.
Written by Nigerian-American creative, Mfoniso Udofia and directed by Zimbabwe’s Munashe Goromonzi, the play titled “Her Portmanteu,” comes as Almasi’s stage reading series, which has seen various stories by African creatives being showcased to introduce Zimbabwean audiences to works by African writers.
“It’s an emotional journey of three women who are separated by life, but then reunite and unpack all emotional baggage and mend all that was broken. We are telling an African story by a Nigerian and as Africans, we can relate to the storyline,” she said.
The series features a seasoned cast including Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, who says the platform allows local creatives to chronicle the rich African culture.
“This particular story is what we can identify with since it’s an African story. There are issues of black tax among others, and I believe Zimbabweans will appreciate the storyline. Her Portmanteau showcases Nigerians’ prowess in storytelling and I believe as Zimbabweans we can do the same. Nigerians are powerful storytellers,” she said.
Also featured in the play is Munya Guramatunhu, who many might mistake to be of Nigerian descent, owing to her well-polished act.
“I am so excited to be part of this unique form of art. It’s a powerful way of telling and it affords us as Africans, a platform to pen our own rich stories,” she added.
A staged reading is a form of theatre without sets or full costumes, where thespians will be reading from scripts, while seated or standing in fixed positions.
Almasi Collaborative Arts is a Zimbabwean American dramatic arts organisation that was created by Hollywood actress Danai Gurira and Patience Tawengwa with the aim of fostering professionalism in the dramatic arts industry.
