University of Malawi (Unima) Theatre Festival races with its second edition this weekend with over 30 acts set to perform at The Great Hall and Little Theatre in Zomba.
Having tasted the waters last year where they encountered some challenges, Unima is now more than ready to offer the best of performances this year with theatre the main focus.
The organisers have since released a menu of the activities over the three days of the festival starting on Friday through to Sunday.
Unima Vice Chancellor Sunduzwayo Madise is expected to officially open the festival at The Great Hall tonight before the performances that include Chikwawa Theatre Club, Solomonic Peacocks, Ngwenyama Dance Troupe and Tauka Arts.
On Saturday, some of the acts will include National Dance Troupe, Libre Arts Theatre Company, Chingale Secondary School, Dance for Change, Adobe Dance Crew and Dzuwa Arts.
The last day will feature acts such as Nanyoni Drama Group, Young Travellers, The Remnant Lions, Emancipation Theatrical Ensemble, Upile Drama Group, Unima Acting Class and Chanco Travelling Theatre.
Chairperson of the organizing committee Zindaba Chisiza said on Wednesday they have been busy putting the event together and called upon art lovers to patronise the festival that will serve theatre, dance, comedy and music.
“We are set, it has been hectic but we are looking forward to nothing but the best of a festival. Last year we had some challenges being the first edition but this year, we have rectified some of the challenges,” Chisiza said.
He also said they were excited that they have been able to attract support from partners with Standard Bank Plc the main sponsor, which has pumped in K15 million through the Joy of Arts initiative.
Apart from performances, the festival is also expected to host workshops in acting, arts funding and resource management, scriptwriting, traditional dances, animation and digital art and digital marketing.
Some of the renowned players facilitating the workshops include veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, seasoned actor and playwright Mphundu Mjumira, Zomba Arts Festival Director Laura Schuerwegen, drama lecturer Roselyn Mataka, Samuel Phiri, filmmaker Steven Khenai and James Thole from the Department of Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture.
Poet Q Malewezi, who is also President Lazarus Chakwera’s special advisor on creative industries, wrote on his Facebook page that theatre is where it all begins – blending music, dance and storytelling into one powerful art form.
“As someone whose roots are in theatre, I am excited to attend the Unima Theatre Festival 2024,” he said.
