An opportunity has risen again for Malawi theatre to shine with the invitation of Nanzikambe Arts actors who have been invited to perform at an international arts festival in Havana, Cuba.
Nanzikambe Arts actors Mphundu Mjumira and Robert Magasa will partake at the Cuba Arts Festival barely two months after performing in Germany alongside Theatre Konstanz.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Mjumira said the Cuba trip came after the pair was spotted while performing in Germany two months ago.
“Malawi has great potential in theatre, which is recognised on the international map only that most actors have not had a breakthrough,” said Mjumira. “The Cuba trip is the fruits of our recent Germany trip where we had remarkable performances and represented Malawi well.”
He described Europe as one of the potential destinations for local talent export.
Mjumira and Magasa are expected to leave for Cuba in two weeks time. While in Cuba, they will partake in a number of activities, including a street carnival, workshops and stage performances.
Among other reputable actors, the Nanzikambe duo will share the stage with Uwe Schulen from Germany.
For a long time, Malawian artists, including actors have been participated in a number of artistic activities in European countries.
Asked how the trip will benefit Malawi’s theatre industry as a whole, Mjumira explained:
“Firstly, we are looking at exposure and international recognition of Malawian art as the most significant thing that Malawi will gain from our Cuba trip. This is one way of marketing our talent outside Malawi.
“Secondly, we are looking at the possibility of sharing the knowledge that will be gained from the workshops with the local industry when we are back,” said Mjumira.
However, he bemoaned lack of resources as the main stumbling blocks to the knowledge sharing with the local audience especially fellow actors and actresses.
“Organising workshops aimed at sharing knowledge and experience is an ideal thing by every artist who attends an international workshop on a particular filed. This is the only way we can learn from others and improve our industries. But issues to do with resources come into play to restrict most artists from doing so,” said Mjumira.
