Drama explores other side of rural life

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BY STYLE REPORTER A new play that highlights the challenges faced by people in rural areas will soon show online with a possibility of showing on local television. While most plays have dwelled on celebrating  village life, companionship and community, the six-episode drama written by Zvishavane-based playwright Emmanuel Hove Mhike, looks on the flipside of […]

BY STYLE REPORTER

A new play that highlights the challenges faced by people in rural areas will soon show online with a possibility of showing on local television.

While most plays have dwelled on celebrating  village life, companionship and community, the six-episode drama written by Zvishavane-based playwright Emmanuel Hove Mhike, looks on the flipside of rural life.

Titled Kumusha Kwedu, the play reflects on how certain ills could be costly on community cohesion.

Set in Mazvihwa, a rural community, south east of Zvishavane town in the Midlands province, Kumusha Kwedu was produced by Moses Ndlovu at Muonde Trust Media.

“The drama was inspired by lack of exposure to talented actors in rural areas. As an arts, media and development practitioner working in marginalised communities, I realised there is immense untapped talent here,” Mhike told Standard Style on Thursday.

“The play Kumusha Kwedu is centred around a promiscuous widow, Mai Chihonda, whose deeds threaten social cohesion, cultural norms and community wellbeing in general.

“Scenes emerging from this are hilarious, educative and entertaining. The drama is unique in that it was done by rural actors in a rural set up tackling social issues affecting them. Also weird things marginalisation could push people to do.”

Mhike said majority of the cast were first timers to act in front of camera.

“The drama is in seasons and chapters. Season One has six chapters and is ready to be uploaded on our YouTube channel once we are satisfied with the number of subscribers,” he said.

“Our YouTube channel is called Kumusha Kwedu TV and we are mobilising people to subscribe. We are going to do pay-per-view. We are also doing CDs and making sure the actors sell them and get an income.”

He thanked Muonde Trust Media for providing the “limited available resources to make this dream a success”.

Mhike, who is also driving a poetry project in the area, said they would soon engage national television to have the drama shown on TV.