Mike Langa Lulanga cannot fight a war single-handedly, but the Kamuzu Barracks-based soldier surely does not need fellow actors crowding his space as he spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The dramatist, who founded Yendizo Theatre, has finally went solo performing one act Christian plays.
“I have decided to launch a solo career, which will include one-man drama performances, stand-up comedy, and story-telling,” said Langa Lulanga.
Langa is by no means venturing into uncharted waters; while he was performing with his colleagues in Yendizo Theatre, he would also perform one man plays on his personal ventures.
“One man drama is not a new thing to me as I have been doing it for the past years. So far, I have dramatised several Bible btories in one act plays format such as The Prodigal Son, Simon from Cyrene, Tears of the Land, and Redeeming Love among others,” says the Malawi Army soldier.
He has already taken some of his one act routines beyond the borders as in December 2011 he took Tears of the Land to Durban where he performed at the Youth For Eco-Justice Meeting during the COP 17 Conference.
In the same year, he performed Simon from Cyrene in South Africa at Kwandengezi Methodist Church before taking it to DR Congo in Goma in February 2015.
“The main reason for the switch is that one man drama is less expensive to organise and it allows flexibility to last minute changes,” said Lulanga.
Langa further said his profession as a soldier limits his free time during which he can meet up with colleagues to rehearse; but monodrama does not pose the same limitations.
“I don’t want to jeopardise my work. One-man drama gives me an opportunity to rehearse at my own time,” said Langa.
He adds that the cost of managing a group was one of the reasons that made him go solo.
“It was expensive to travel with a group and we failed to honour many invitations as a group. Going solo made it easy,” he said.
Despite the new course of direction, however, Langa plans on hiring crew members such as directors, stage technicians and managers.
“I want to take this professional and the first step for me is to operate it as such. I cannot handle all the tasks single-handedly,” he said.
Langa said he would be ministering in churches, revival crusades, concerts and others events to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The Holy Spirit has given each person certain talents, abilities and spiritual gifts to be used in the church. While some are apostles, prophets, teachers and workers of miracles, others have the gift of healing, charity or music. Mine is the gift of teaching the word of God through theatre,” said Langa.
The artist says that he recognises the work other Christian artists are doing, as such, he will work with them on a mutual mission of winning souls.
“I am always willing to take to the streets and spread the gospel if your church, school or evangelism team is willing to host me. I love to work with others who have similar objectives of winning souls,” Langa said.
The artist, who says his performances are an inspiration from Holy Spirit, does not see fellow dramatists as competitors but rather as comrades on the same front—fighting against Satan’s camp.
