THE Zimbabwean theatre stage will witness the inaugural edition of the One Hander International Theatre Festival (OHITF) from September 4 to 7. The festival roars to life at the Jasen Mpepho Little Theatre in Harare.
The theatre festival is the brainchild of Jasen Mphepo, a visionary artist who recognised the power and artistry of solo theatrical performances. This annual event shines the spotlight on the compelling world of one-person shows, also known as solo performances or monodramas.
It is a celebration of the solo performer's craft — the ability to captivate an audience, weave intricate narratives, and convey a multitude of characters, all through the medium of a single individual on the stage. This intimate and immersive theatrical experience offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness the virtuosity and emotional depth that can emerge from a solitary voice.
The festival features a diverse array of solo productions, spanning a wide range of genres, styles, and themes.
Artists billed to perform are mostly from South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. From gripping dramas to thought-provoking comedies, each performance offers a unique window into the human experience, as interpreted through the lens of a single performer.
Standard Style reporter, Sandra Ngwaru (SN) caught up with the director of the festival, Shingirai Manyengavana (SM) to talk about this ground breaking initiative.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
SN What inspired the creation of the One Hander International Theatre Festival?
- Zim hosts festival to celebrate solo performances
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SM The One Hander International Theatre Festival was inspired by Jasen Mphepo's one-man show A 1 000 Miles, which he had performed around the world. Mphepo realised that one-person plays are very cost-effective to produce and tour with. As a result, he decided to create a festival that would celebrate these types of solo performances.
SN What key performances or events can attendees expect at this inaugural edition of the OHITF ?
SM Well, this inaugural edition of the OHITF will feature a lineup of over 8 exciting theatrical productions, including local shows as well as productions from South Africa and Botswana.The festival kicks off with a melodrama performance by the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, plus a theatre production titled Faces by Nicole Candy Mhlongo from South Africa. Day 2 we have My Body, A Crime Scene by Margaret Birkholtz from South Africa, Once An Actress by Charity Dlodlo from Zimbabwe and 7 Dress Africa by Kealeboga Tsheko from Botswana. On day 3 there will be a Theatre Symposium by Savanna Trust on producing and distributing theatre productions in the digital world. We will also have Chido Joan Tenga from Zimbabwe performing in Molly Streey and From the dust, a Performance Based Workshop by Ronald Sigeca from Zimbabwe. The day will close with An Act of Man By Zenzo Nyathi from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Day 4, creatives will get a chance to meet up, bond and exchange ideas. I will also later on do a, lively poetry slam on Climate Change and the big guy himself, Jasen, will also take the stage in A 1000 miles.
SN How does the festival ensure diversity in its lineup?
SM We made an open call for submissions, allowing any artist interested around the globe to apply and be considered for the festival. This open approach helps to ensure a diverse range of voices and perspectives are represented. Local Zimbabwean artists who were interested responded and were also included in the program.
SN What challenges have you faced in organising the festival?
SM The main challenge has been securing enough funding to maintain the international scale of the festival. We received some help from our partner organisation Patsime Trust, but more support is needed to fully realise our vision.
SN How does the festival contribute to the growth of theatre in Zimbabwe?
SM The festival provides a dedicated platform for one-person shows, aiming to elevate this genre of theatre and encourage more artists to explore the possibilities of solo performances. Additionally, it brings greater attention to Zimbabwe's thriving theatre scene on the international stage.
SN What are your long-term goals for the festival?
SM The long-term goal for the One Hander International Theatre Festival is to establish it as a premier event that celebrates the art of solo performance on a global scale.
SN How can the community support the festival's initiatives?
SM The local community can support the festival's initiatives in several ways. They can attend the performances and workshops, spread the word about the event, and provide financial or in-kind contributions to help sustain the festival's operations. Volunteering time and skills is another valuable way the community can get involved.
SN What role do you think theatre plays in addressing social and political issues in Zimbabwe today?
SM Theater has the power to illuminate important social and political issues, providing a voice to marginalized communities and igniting important conversations. Theater has the power to shine a light on important problems, give a voice to communities that don't have much power, and start important conversations in society.
Zimbabwe is facing many challenges on the economic, political and social front and theater can be a platform to talk about these issues. Playwrights and performers can use the stage to explore themes of corruption, human rights problems, gender discrimination, and other systemic issues. This brings these problems to the attention of the public. Theater productions can help people understand Zimbabwe's complex realities better. The stories and performances can foster empathy and inspire people to think about the need for positive change.
Theatre can also bring the community together to discuss issues and think of solutions. In a country where media censorship is rife, theater provides an alternative platform for dissenting opinion and start grassroots movements for social and political change.
SN How do you engage with younger audiences and encourage their participation in the arts?
SM Engaging younger audiences is a key priority for the festival. We planning to offer workshops and masterclasses that cater to students and aspiring artists, providing them with opportunities to learn and develop their skills. Outreach efforts to schools and universities will also be our focus.
- What has been the most surprising or unexpected outcome from organising the festival?
SM Since this is the first edition of the One Hander International Theatre Festival, we have been pleasantly surprised by the high level of interest and inquiry we've received from artists and the public.
SN How do you see the role of international collaboration in the festival, and how has it influenced the event?
SM International collaboration is a vital aspect of the One Hander International Theatre Festival. The festival aims to promote cross-cultural exchange, inspire new creative approaches, and elevate the profile of Zimbabwean theatre on the global stage by bringing together artists from around the world. We anticipate that these international connections will continue to shape and enhance the festival over time.
SN In what ways does the festival aim to push the boundaries of traditional theatre?
SM The One Hander International Theatre Festival focuses on one-person shows, encouraging artists to push the boundaries of solo performance. This format challenges traditional theatre norms, allowing individual performers to display their versatility, storytelling skills, and capacity to engage an audience on their own.
SN What has been the response from the local arts community in Zimbabwe to the festival?
SM The local arts community in Zimbabwe has responded with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm to the launch of the One Hander International Theatre Festival. Many artists have expressed interest in participating, and the festival has generated a buzz of anticipation within the country's thriving creative scene.
