New play tackles albinism, witchcraft

What started as a discussion between youths in different parts of Lilongwe over the current spate of albino killings inspired the group to produce a play denouncing the ill as well as witchcraft.

Under the theatre name Chikwatu Arts, the group has premiered its first ever production titled Ndulu.

The story revolves on a middle-aged man, Sekeni, who has been happily married to Naphiri for a few years. The two were totally in love despite Naphiri being an albino.

Although other villagers often mock them and express strange myths, Sekeni has stood by his love for Naphiri.

The play then deviates from the two protagonists into a new character, a female stranger who visits the village on a mission—to make a quick buck from selling albino body parts.

Elube’s mission is, however, kept under wraps as she first dilutes and wipes Sekeni’s heart with promises of relocating to town.

Unbeknown to him, Sekeni divorces Naphiri and moves to town with Elube, where for a few months, life proves better for the villager until the woman unpacks her treasure mission.

Startled, Sekeni ponders on the move before giving in.

His first task is to bring the ex wife from the village to town and take care of the mission that will see the two swinging in instant riches.

As Naphiri is coerced back into the arms of Sekeni before meeting her fate, one wonders what really drives such a belief in people and society at large.

Does killing of people with albinism bring riches, cure or any of the negative myths as propelled by some sections of society?

These are some of the many questions that the general public has no answers to despite a number of albinos being killed in 2015.

Even the audience that gathered at Madsoc for the play at the weekend could not find an emphatic answer.