Police ban another play in Bulawayo

By Tererai Karimakwenda
15 October, 2007

A new play that was due to open in Bulawayo on Friday was banned by the police as Robert Mugabe arrived in the town to cap graduating university students. The play, a satire titled “Overthrown”, is the latest production by Amakhosi Theatre’s producer and director Cont Mhlanga, who told Newsreel the production had been approved by the state Censorship Board. Mhlanga explained that he sent 6 copies of the script to the Board a month ago, even though he was not under any obligation to do so. But this did not stop the police ordering artists and guests to disperse just before the performance. The reason was stated simply as “instruction from their bosses" to stop the play. Mhlanga said the police official warned that riot police were at Mzilikazi Station ready to deal with anyone who defied the order.

Ironically the Minister of Information and Publicity, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, was due at the theatre to meet the artists and interact with the producers. But he arrived after the police had dispersed the crowds and claimed to be unaware that the play had been banned. Mhlanga said the moment was embarrassing because the police had lied to him that the Minister was informed.

More importantly Mhlanga said he was angered by the loss of revenue which he blames on the police, because people are becoming too scared to attend their performances. He vowed to sue the police and the authorities for this interference. He said: “People are afraid to come to the theatre now because they think riot police are going to turn up. And this is stopping employment. These are professional actors who work here and who pay rent. Now they can’t work.”

The producer said he was also angry because Minister Ndlovu had agreed to answer some questions relating to the shrinking democratic space in the country, especially when it comes to discussing political issues. Amakhosi theatrical productions have been followed by discussion periods during which audience members debate issues addressed in the plays. Mhlanga said he wanted the minister to be there to hear for himself what people have to say. But Minister Ndhlovu ended up meeting privately with the production team and he told them he was against the police shutting down the play. Mhlanga said he was not sure whether this was sincere. “Because after all the Minister is a politician.” he added.

Amakhosi have had several plays banned by the authorities in the last year. Actors and producers have been arrested and interrogated by police, using various excuses to suppress the constitutional right to freedom of expression. On one occasion producers were asked to submit a copy of the script to the police. It was returned with virtually every scene cancelled or disapproved.

Mhlanga said he hopes this case winds up in the courts so that once again it can clearly be shown that the government is completely against the constitutional right to freedom of expression.