Diamonds discovery plays out at Theatre in the Park

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Theatre in the Park will on October 10 explore the topical issue of the discovery of gems with the premiere of a play titled Diamonds in His Son’s Grave.

Theatre in the Park will on October 10 explore the topical issue of the discovery of gems with the premiere of a play titled Diamonds in His Son’s Grave.

Report by Silence Charumbira

  Written by Stephen Chifunyise, the play will run until October 20. It is a story of a bereaved Manicaland family that discovers diamonds in the deceased’s grave and has to contend with opportunists that want a share of the riches.

  While digging a grave for his late brother-in-law, Farai Mutero discovers diamonds, prompting an urgent meeting to be convened with his in-laws to inform them of the find.

  The family welcomes the news with loud cheers but the head of the house, Chituro Zinyemba, who is also the headman and spirit medium in the community, is not amused.

  While pondering their next move, an unexpected visitor drops a bombshell that spells disaster for the family.

  The play explores the arrival of mining companies that are siphoning resources from the area without any meaningful benefit to the local inhabitants of the land.

  The play envisages exploitation of resources while also putting to the fore conflicts about ownership, cultural practices and development.

  Thought-provoking questions arise as to who is benefiting from the gems in the province as mining companies are being accused of failure to provide any material benefit to the area.

  The expropriation of diamonds has also affected families who have been displaced to new and unproductive areas at the expense of their livelihood and social practices.

  “We want to create dialogue and debate in terms of correlation between people, mineral resources, development and cultural practices,” said Daves Guzha, who produced the play.

  “We are hoping people will come and watch this amazing production.” The cast of the play includes Charles Matare, Priscilla Mutendera, Getrude Munhamo, Teddy Mangawa and Tinashe Chirisa while it is directed by Eunice Tava.