Written by Stephen Chifunyise and Raisedon Baya, the play opened at Theatre in the Park last week and runs until June 19.
With a star-studded cast of Walter Muparutsa, Daves Guzha, O’Brien Mudyiwenyama and Jason Mphepo, the play presupposes a Zimbabwe that is an ideal democracy complete with the rule of law, surplus GDP, media plurality, thriving economy and home to 1,5 million legal and illegal immigrants from South Africa, United Kingdom, India and China among others.
The cabinet is made up of 13 ministers, a female president and the country is on its way to becoming the bread basket of Africa.
Co-writing has its challenges. While Baya is known for his robust tuckling of issues, Chifunyise is known for his subtlety and finesse. The play is a measure of the two’s maturity that enabled the pair to craft this beautiful story together.
Credit is due to the co-directors Guzha and Patience Gamuchirai Tavengwa for their interpretation of the script and bringing it so eloquently to life on stage.
Mphepo, as the robot dancing techno expert, Magaisa, was enchanting. His remarkable stage presence and excellent command of comic business kept the audience in stitches.
Muparutsa as the mega rich football crazy, Tonga, who has just added Manchester United to his portfolio of business acquisitions, was awesome. He is the granddad of the Zimbabwean theatre and it was a privilege to watch him in this performance.
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Mudyiwenyama was irresistible in his many roles, first coming on as the mega rich Mabhena who is just about to bring Formula One motor racing to Buhera. Then we saw him as a Ndebele-speaking representative of a group seeking free press.
When he came in as “Her Excellency” the president, the audience applauded his expertise. This was a truly enigmatic performance to savour.
Guzha gave a splendid performance as the eccentric wife of Magaisa, encapsulating the manipulative nature of the wife of a powerful man.
As a jingle-loving Minister of Information, he demonstrated his many years of experience as he was able to time and manage his role.
That he was also co-director and producer of the show speaks of the dedication and passion in this man.
