Astrovaganza Drama Group releases DVD
They might be known through a 10-minute play on MBCtv every Saturday morning. However, that is not enough for the Mzuzu-based group trading under the name Astrovaganza Drama Group.
They want to reach out to a wider audience through a comedy DVD tilted Mwenecho Nyumba. The DVD was released last week and is available in various selling points in Mzuzu.
Astrovaganza director Elias Singini said in an interview that the DVD is meant to prepare the way for a movie the group is shooting.
Titled Zoto the Hunter, the movie delves into the dilemma that the courts find themselves in when dealing with witchcraft cases.
“Despite the available evidence, the courts fail to convict individuals accused of witchcraft since it is not recognised by the Constitution. It is because of this dilemma that we decided to shoot the movie.
“We are finalising the shooting. What we are remaining with are scenes from a police station and in court. We are presently engaging the judiciary and police to grant us permission.
“The comedy DVD is a result of pressure we are receiving from our fans to release the movie. We thought it proper to release the DVD as they wait for the movie,” said Singini.
The DVD has six episodes each running for 15 minutes. The episodes are titled MnyamatawaSoni, Wakujoni, UtesiUkugota, KwawoniNkhu? andFwasani.
The DVD acts as a warning shot to individuals to be careful with friends who may, sometimes, be deceptive.
Astrovaganza, established in 1999, came to the limelight in 2013 through its five to 10 minutes plays on MBCtv every Saturday.
The group is mostly into theatre for development where they are engaged by various institutions and non-governmental organisations in sensitising people on a number of issues.
Its notable engagements were sketches they performed during President Peter Mutharika’s functions he presided over in the Northern Region such the Anti-Corruption Day and the launch of technical colleges at Ngara in Karonga.
Some of its members include Mzondi Banda, Isaac Banda, Jessie Botha, Ronald Singini, GilwardChirwa, ChiccoMkandawire and LumbaniNkhata.
