After a seven-month absence, Rooftop Promotions successfully premiered Farai and Chipo in Love at Old Mutual Theatre Alliance Francaise on Thursday night.
by Our Staff
The play, which runs until July 15, is the production company’s first since the beginning of the year after the fallout with Zimbabwe Book Fair who were their landlords at their usual Theatre in the Park venue.
The play is a tale of two young university students who have been dating for over five years.
Their relationship faces temptation when an uncle, related to Chipo only by totem, tries to bed her.
Chipo (18), who sticks to the tradition of abstinence till wedding night, however refuses to be lured by the expensive gifts and offers of money the 50-year-old Sekuru Zimuto throws at her.
Farai and Chipo In Love relates to what goes on at many universities as desperate poor young girls fall prey to old rich man.
Written by Stephen Chifunyise and directed by Daves Guzha, the play is a blend of humour and suspense to bring out clashes between western and local culture.
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It sparks a clash between the older generation, that takes a hug as a sacred expression of love to one’s partner, and the young, who share it lightly as a form of greeting.
Renowned poet and theatre practitioner, Titus Moetsabi said there were different kinds of embraces, depending on the type of relationship people have.
“Hugs differ depending on the relationship. There is a hug that can be shared by lovers which is much more intimate, and a hug that can be shared between friends, parents and children and other relatives,” he said.
Silvanos Mudzvova executed his role as Sekuru Zimuto very well, while Nyaradzo Nhongonhema who played Chipo did a great job in expressing how girls can say no to sex while suggesting the complete opposite through their actions.
The most outstanding actor had to be Derek Nziyakwi, who rehearsed for only two days before the premiere after John Pfumojena, who was supposed to play Farai, fell sick.
“You have done a good job. Actors and directors are the second writers to a script and I am very impressed with what you have done with the play. I am also very impressed with Nziyakwi who has taken only two days to master his character,” said Chifunyise.
Rooftop Promotions last staged a play at the venue in 1995 before they moved to Theatre in the Park, which was closed at the end of last year.
It is still unclear whether this is the return of Rooftop Promotions onto the theatre scene.
