The ritualistic and thought-provoking play, “Song Unburied”, currently showing at Harare’s Theatre in the Park, will go on a South African tour next month.
It will be showcased at Sibusiso Kwinana Theatre in Pretoria from September 18-22, courtesy of the South African State Theatre in association with Rooftop Promotions.
The play, which calls for the return of anti-colonial heroine Mbuya Nehanda’s remains from an overseas gallery, has opened old wounds over her unburied bones.
In African culture, a decent burial gives the bereaved parties sanctuary and comfort.
It is also believed that the dead will not rest until they get a dignified burial followed by a traditional ceremony.
In this play, Mbuya Nehanda is among several icons whose remains were taken to Europe as trophies of conquest.
This subject is being tackled in this ceremonial production.
She is believed to have informed her killers that her “bones” would rise.
Books have been written about the spirit medium’s unburied bones, which are yearning for a decent burial.
The same subject is being tackled in the play “Song Unburied”, which runs until August 9 before going on a South African tour.
Theatre guru, Daves Guzha, who produced and directed the play, confirmed the tour.
“This play will go on a tour of South Africa in September at Sibusiso Kwinana Theatre.
“It’s one of the spaces within the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
“The State Theatre has about five different stages and this (Sibusiso Kwinana Theatre) is one of them,” said Guzha after the play’s opening night last weekend.
Guzha, who brokered the deal, hailed the cast for their resilience and passion for acting.
“The cast has made history as they will perform at one of the prestigious venues in South Africa.
“We did this play at zero budget, and the cast owns a big percentage of show proceeds.
“The cast also got this invitation before we could tour Zimbabwe with it, which means the play is unique.”
Written by Panashe Chigumadzi, the cast comprises Dalma Chiwereva, Charmaine Mujeri, Tinevimbo Chimbetete, and mbira player Abel Mafuleni.
In the play, Mujeri plays the role of Rambisai Mangosho, the first black curator at a British Museum.
Her colleague, Dalma Chiwereva shows her versatility with three roles — Mbuya, Mai Rambi, and Tsitsi.
Former television personality, Tinevimbo Chimbetete, features as a British Museum director in the ritualist play.
In the play, Rambi, the protagonist, discovers the bones of Mbuya Nehanda in the museum’s basement.
The spirit tells her that Mbuya Nehanda’s bones should be returned home, a debate that has been raging since time immemorial.
Historians, researchers, and traditionalists have been calling for the return of these stolen artefacts.
In this play, the cast challenges policymakers to take action and take Mbuya Nehanda’s reburial seriously.
In an interview, Mujeri said the play was relevant to all Zimbabweans who are passionate about their roots and history.
“This ritualistic play is centrally on the journey of self-discovery that we all need.
“The subject is relevant to us as Africans as we believe that we have a lot of unburied bones that need to be appeased.
“This play is open to all Zimbabweans that respect their culture,” she said.
Chimbetete, who has been in the game for years, reckons that their play is a game-changer.
His counterpart, Mafuleni, who plays the mbira could not hide his excitement.
“It feels good to be part of this play which evokes memories about the past.
“This subject is relevant to us even if we want to pretend like it’s not worth talking about.
“Other nations have been doing the same as they are calling for the return of stolen religious artefacts,” he said.
The mbira player brings variety to the play as he clicks with Chiwereva, Chimbetete, and Mujeri.
Veteran writer, researcher, and historian, Chirikure Chirikure, who also graced the opening night of “Song Unburied” hailed the cast for its versatility.
Chirikure also hailed the play for its relevance among scholars who want to understand their history better.
Source…Herald
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