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Politics take centre stage in Chisiza’s play

 

Current wave of politics in which former first lady Callista Mutharika initiated calls for youthful leadership took centre stage on Friday evening at HS Winehouse when Thlupego Chisiza and his Lions Arts Theatre staged a play titled What Lies Ahead.

The six-member cast exhibited talent in abundance throughout the performance. Using English and Chichewa as mediums of communication, they entertained patrons as evidenced by their reactions despite being a second performance.

Set in a church led by aging leader Bishop Nthumbwana, the play depicts a story of a leader refusing to step down to pave way for younger blood.

Actors captured in one of the scenes

“If we cannot be allowed to lead today, when are we going to lead?” asked Ngozo, a character played by Robert Magasa.

“Examples are plenty that the youth are standing up to take up leadership roles. Why can’t our bishop take examples of other ‘churches’?” asked another character Uncle Du played by Thlupego Chisiza.

The play also tackles issues of corruption, gossip, love and hypocrisy in the church. The messages are cryptic about politics throughout.

At the end of the performance, Chisiza had this to say: “I wrote this play in November last year before the talk about youths taking up leadership. It is just a coincidence that this play is being performed in these times.”

He added that he is happy that just like his late father Du Chisiza Junior, his plays are resonating with emerging situations in Malawians.

“The youth cannot be ignored. Let the youth decide their destiny,” he added.

One of the HS Winehouse directors Mphuju Mjumira said the place opened up to artists to expose their talent and entertain Malawians.

“So, every Friday, we are more than happy to host an arts event here,” he said.

The cast comprised Thlupego Chisiza as Uncle Du, Robert Magasa as Ngozo, Tendai Skenda as Wema, Alison Mpunga as Bishop Nthumbwana and Mphuju Mjumila as Ngwagwa.

 

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