Vulindlela theatre turns to radio drama to reach out to citizens
By Letwin Mubonesi
Hwange-based Vulindlela Theatre Company has turned to radio to explore new avenues to reach out to citizens in different communities during COVID-19 pandemic.
The group which mainly focuses on stage plays, appears to have found radio as an alternative performance space and they have their drama called Kungwavhangwavha (Hustling) which is going to be aired in Nambya by one of their local radio stations, Breeze FM starting this month.
Theatre director, Michael Kanyika said that there are a lot of opportunities in using radio drama to reach out to old and new audiences.
“With several national and community radio stations in the country, this space has not been fully explored in the past. So, the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the performing arts industry on different fronts,” he said.
“COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the livelihoods of the artists and this has made us to use radio as a tool to showcase talent and will continue exploring the radio medium as an alternative performance space.”
“This new normal has necessitated the need for artists to adapt and find new spaces on which to showcase their creativity as well as continue to derive a living without contravening COVID-19 regulations.
Kanyika said the drama brings out real life issues that affect people in their day to day lives.
He said, “The drama carries various themes of life such as hustling and its challenges and benefits of such a lifestyle. It also tackles issues of infidelity, the importance of educating the girl child, good conduct at workplaces and school, drug abuse and corruption,” he said.
“We are still in the path of producing more radio dramas, but Kungwavhangwavha was produced by myself working with The Creative Ideas Arts Consultancy, who provided us with all the required expertise in producing radio drama alongside Music Life Records.”
Kanyika said the drama’s cast include Lawrence Nyendwa as Gebhuza, Mildred Nkomo as Tambulani, Adrean Ndlovu as Tobelani, Marvellous Neshavi as Zondiwe, Ignatious Phiri as Mayilo, Bornface Siduli as Marufu, Sipiwe Mathe as Jululu, Simephina Nyoni as MaThuli, Prince as Bhajila and Michael Kanyika as Mr Banda.”
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