For the coming days, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare is set to be transformed into a stage for theatre, as Danai Gurira and Almasi Collaborative Arts present Family Riots. A unique and groundbreaking production by Gideon Jeph Wabvuta that will be running from the 15th to the 24th of November, 2024.
Set in Mbare, the play explores the ambitions, aspirations and unresolved wounds of a young family in late 90s Zimbabwe.
Family Riots delves into the lives of Sidney and Primrose, a couple whose once-idyllic life unravels due to financial strain and personal secrets. It offers a provoking interrogation on the human condition in a rapidly changing society. The play taps into the nostalgia of everyday Zimbabwean life in that era, blending reflection with a deep sense of familiarity for those who lived through it.
The production has been realised under the artistic direction of award-winning playwright and actress, Danai Gurira (Walking Dead, Black Panther). The Executive Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts, and a commited figure to the amplification of untold African stories.
The playwright for the production, Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, is a talented alumnus of Almasi’s programs, who through Almasi’s Walter Mparutsa Fellowship matriculated with a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Writing at University of Southern California. His acclaimed play, Family Riots, earned distinguished mention for the Rosa Parks and Kennedy Centre in 2019 and was showcased at the New Works Two Festival at USC in Southern California.
Family Riots could be categorized as a new Zimbabwean August Wilson play entering us into a bold era of Zimbabwean storytelling.
Directing the production is the dynamic duo made up of decorated American theatre director Lucie Tiberghien and Zimbabwean Makomborero Theresa Muchemwa who has been a part of Almasi’s previous dramatic initiatives.
A team of production designers, technical experts, actors and directors, many of whom have been trained through Almasi initiatives, are also collaborating in the creation of this piece.
The audience is guaranteed of a resonant experience, harkening a new era of placing Zimbabwean born narratives on the global stage.
The play will be running from 15 - 24 November, with a single showing at 6 pm on each of the 7 days the play will take place. Tickets are currently on sale online from Magetsi and in person at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
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