Madsoc Theatre makes comeback
Lilongwe’s live theatrical performances venue, Madsoc Theatre comes back to life later this month with a one-person act titled Once an Actress by Zimbabwean actress Charity Dlodlo.
The arts venue was forced to close in line with public health guidelines to contain further spread of Covid-19.
Dlodlo is scheduled to stage an adaption of the play written by Tony Layton on March 28 at the theatre venue.
The play is adapted and directed by Malawian Thespian Stanley Mambo as a Mwezi Arts production, according to Hazel Mambo of Madsoc.
“The play reflects on Sarah’s path of encounters, choices and weaknesses that brings her to who she is. A mirror of how association, beliefs and a culture can build or destroy our dreams and end life with unfulfilled ambitions,” she said in an interview.
Mambo said the play is about the scarcity of opportunities for Sarah even after attending several auditions and how success can be hers if only she accepts nude scenes.
She said the play was motivated by the urge to do something different by telling the story of an actress.
Mambo said:“For our entire careers as artists, we sing, paint, play and tell stories about social life and all, but we have no chance to tell our own story, a story of an actress.
“The objective was not focused on storytelling, but rather to provide a platform for awareness of paths and choices a young girl chooses to fulfill her professional or life ambitions.”
She said they settled for Once An Actress because it features one character which makes things easier in this Covid-19 pandemic era where public gathering restrictions are still in force.
Dlodlo is an actress, producer and events manager and her theatre, television and film career spans over a decade.
Among others, she has played roles in films like The Hero and Legacy, which screens every weekday on DStv’s Africa Magic.
Dlodlo has also worked with Nigerian actors such as Uche Jumbo, Ejike Esigbu, Hakeem Kazim and Ghana’s Jackie Appiah.
“Once An Actress is a female one-hander production, fast-paced and physical play. The cast members forged in risk to maintain creative existence and present a special present to the audience though we are facing uncertainty with the pandemic,” said Dlodlo in a separate interview.
She said the play will open a special Madsoc season that will mainly present small cast productions.
“It is our vision to take this play and solution within our communities and beyond,” said Dlodlo.
After Madsoc, Once An Actress will be on tour to Blantyre and Zomba. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean theatre lovers will also be treated to a premiere in May.
