Unima Theatre Festival returns Nov 27 to 29

The University of Malawi (Unima) Theatre Festival is set for November 27 to 29 this year at campus in Zomba to promote stage theatre and give a platform to established and up-and-coming players.

In an interview, Unima Professor of drama and theatre for development Zindaba Chisiza said the festival is crucial as it opens doors for theatre makers to showcase their talent as actors, dancers and poets.

Chisiza: The festival creates a platform for young people.

| Courtesy of Zindaba Chisiza

“The festival also provides an opportunity to sell their talent to scouts, people who are looking for actors for film, radio, adverts and various cultural events. This festival provides a platform to identify such talents and use them,” he said.

Chisiza said the festival will also be accessible to secondary school drama clubs within Zomba giving the young ones an opportunity to learn from other groups.

“We do hope that we will be able to extend the same to students from other districts in the following year, funds permitting,” he said.

The development will give an opportunity to the young ones to interact with their peers, see professional theatre and being in a university environment.

“I think the festival creates a platform for young people to get a sense of what theatre is like in a university. We are offering a degree in drama at the University of Malawi [Unima]. So, this sort of prepares them to consider theatre as a career,” said Chisiza.

He said they are on course with their preparations, adding that there will be music performances by some of the country’s popular musicians.

“The unique thing about this festival is that it bring together music, dance and theatre together. You know theatre does not perform alone as it collaborates and shines better with other artforms,” said Chisiza.

Now, the organisers are promoting the festival and selling tickets which are available on line.

On her part one of the festival’s main sponsors Standard Bank plc head of marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe confirmed the return of the bank as a lead sponsor.

She said: “At Standard Bank, we believe that theatre is a powerful storyteller of our culture and identity, and we are proud to once again play a leading role in giving our young people a bigger stage.”

Ng’ombe said the partnership with Unima falls under the Joy of the Arts platform.

Other sponsors are Vanguard Life MultiChoice Malawi and other partners yet to be disclosed.

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