On drama and Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged all sectors of society. The arts industry has not been spared with drama having its own unpleasant downturns. KONDWANI KAMIYALA talks to National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) president Eric Mabedi on these matters. Excerpts:

Q

: How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected performing drama artists?

A

: With the measures in place, limiting the number of people in one place, we have suffered. The last of our performances as Kwathu Drama Group was in December last year. We were scheduled to have another production over Easter in April. You will understand that that was the time we had the first cases. We had to cancel a show we were advertising. The pandemic, in a very strong way, has affected us economically. Since Christmas last year, we have been idle.

Q

: Have you tried to bridge that gap?

A

: There have been a number of interventions. Most importantly, we have relied on radio and TV productions. But, as you know, that also needs sponsors so that is difficult. Our life has been a hand-to-mouth existence. On cancelling public shows, groups needed compensation. We have used community radio stations to bring messages to the people in languages they understand.

Q

: Personally, have you led the way?

A

: As a person, I have gone down on my knees to ask God to see us through this quandary. In fact, I contacted the Principal Secretary for Health initially since dramatists needed enough information on the pandemic if at all we were to spread the word. I brought up a comedy, Jakobo ndi Poyizoni which aired on Joy Radio, Angaliba, Mzati and MIJ FM. I am thankful that the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority helped in the television productions of the series. The important question I have been asking myself as an individual is: What can I do for my country?

Q

: What is Covid-19, in your view?

A

: This, my friend, is not a joke. It is not a laughing matter. It is not. We need to take it seriously in the way we are tackling it. As artists, we have so many ways to let the populace know the danger in our midst. Art is about society and here we are. All of us are affected by a virus we little know of. How do we prevent its spread? A lot of our people are suffering. Some have died. As dramatists, it is incumbent upon us to turn the tide. There is hope.

Q

: Have you, in any way, engaged government?

A

: Yes. We are happy to have a line minister Michael Usi in the culture and tourism portfolio. On July 22, we had a meeting with him and it was fruitful, if I must tell you. All the rights holder associations involved in the arts were there. As of now, he asked us to submit proposals on our expectations. This is the way forward.

Q

: What role is radio and TV playing where physical performance is concerned?

A

: Like I said, I for one contributed through the Jakobo ndi Poyizoni series. Currently, the minister is appearing in episodes fighting the pandemic, Sankhani Moyo. Where public performances are limited, this is the way to go. But then, who will finance that course? There are dramatists whose sole source of income is drama. That way, we can go ahead.

Q

: Do you have any other comments?

A

: Much has been said. It is my feeling that as dramatists, we have a role to play. It starts with us. If we are touched personally, the urge is great. If there is motivation, we can spread the word further. There are no limits. In the final analysis, it is God who knows why we have to do all this.