Big Zimbabwean performers shine at UK festivals

By Tererai Karimakwenda
11th August 2005


Zimbabwe has an abundance of talent but unfortunately much of it has no outlet and no financial support to help nurture and promote it. So when several Zimbabwean performance groups are featured at a major festival in the UK, it is indeed something to celebrate. The Edinburgh Festival in Scotland is considered the largest international theatre event and this year it features a huge Zimbabwean presence that is sure to give audiences an insight into what life is like back home in these difficult times.

Zimbabwean acts are making a lot of noise at Edinburgh as well. In particular a music show called "Sing Zimbabwe" which is a celebration of hope and joy. The show has raised the roof with its powerful traditional Shona and Ndebele songs, as well as some gospel.

The dance troupe Tumbuka has also got the critics talking. Their choreography this year features pieces based on the recent Operation Murambatsvina and how it affected the lives of the artists and the difficulties of getting everything from money to food.

Rory Kilalea, director of Sing Zimbabwe, is delighted with the success of Zimbabwean performers at the festival. He said the venues have been full or almost full for each performance but Kilalea wishes there was more support for the arts in Zimbabwe. Local sponsors at home just about managed to pay for their airfare this time. And when you need pounds sterling to pay for these trips, it is even more difficult.

Also performing at Edinburgh this time is the Grassroots Theatre Company, which uses song and dance to tell stories that teach about different issues. The group is bringing drama workshops to young people in South Wales, and while in the UK they will also do workshops in prisons and churches. This inventive group would normally be in the rural areas of Zimbabwe teaching about HIV and family planning through the theatre.