Local theatre practitioners have described the late actor Sebastian Maramba as a dedicated artist who was instrumental in the development of theatre in the country. Report by Our Staff
Maramba died last Sunday after a short illness and was buried at Glenville Cemetery on Thursday.
An actor of great repute, Maramba featured in many Rooftop Promotions productions which included Fists and Fingers, Indigenous, Indigenous, Indigenous, Wedding Night and Face to Face, among others. Maramba was a versatile artist as he also wrote and directed numerous community productions.
Daves Guzha, the proprietor of Rooftop Promotions paid tribute to the late Maramba, describing him as an actor who gave all of his life to promoting the theatre industry, which he was passionate about.
“It is a sad loss to Rooftop Promotions and the entire theatre industry in Zimbabwe. We have lost one of our beloved actors, a man who was passionate about his work and every time he took to the stage, he gave his all,” said Guzha.
“Maramba was very professional and dedicated to his work. Although he was now an experienced actor, he was always willing to learn new stuff and also assist his fellow actors. He will forever be missed”. Tafadzwa Muzondo, the founder and producer at Edzai Isu Theatre Project had this to say about Maramba: “He was a man of detail and he took his craft seriously. He would not start a rehearsal without a thorough physical warm up and would do breathing exercises before going on stage.
“It’s indeed a great loss to the theatre industry because he also loved training and grooming youngsters in theatre.”
Complete Arts Project director Peter Churu also paid tribute to Maramba: “Sebastian was an actor of the old school. He was well-schooled in the craft and did it not for money, fame or prestige but for the pure aesthetic love of it. You will not see many a fine actor like him. For his passion, dedication and accomplishment, Sebastian will be sadly missed.”
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Patience Gamu Tawengwa, who directed Fists and Fingers, said Maramba always brought laughter and light heartedness to the rehearsal room and was always willing to try new ideas.
“He took his work seriously and you would always feel challenged as a director by his endless questions. He would probe deeply in an effort to bring a character to life. I enjoyed working with him,” mourned Tawengwa.
Judging by the condolence messages, Maramba was indeed a unifier and a professional who worked well with his peers.
Maramba was born on November 23 1972 at Mazowe Mine. He did his primary and secondary education in Mazowe. He is the last born in a family of two and at the time of death his death, he was single.