The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
THE epic one-woman stage play — Nyembezi is billed for Harare this week, where it will premiere at one of the country’s distinguished home of arts theatre in the Park.
Nyembezi, a stage play written by one of the city’s multi-talented artistes Lewis Ndlovu will be staged in the Harare from 16-18 November.
The play features one of Zimbabwe’s most astounding actress and veteran modelling instructor Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda, who plays Nyembezi.
The play, based on real life events was first premiered in Bulawayo in April this year at the Bulawayo Theatre and received stunning reviews, it has been a must-sought play.
Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda told Sunday Life she was excited that the play was getting the recognition it ought to receive and mentioned that she hoped it would land an international billing.
“We are excited that Nyembezi will be in Harare for the first time and we want it to go international,” she said.
Nyembezi is a stage play based on real life events. In his foreword Ndlovu notes that there is a disturbing culture of silence that has resulted in many cases of child abuse going unreported at a time when such incidences are on the increase.
“Organisations dealing with child abuse in Zimbabwe say most of the victims suffer in silence as they are intimidated by the perpetrator who is usually a close relative or guardians, when the majority of cases come to light, after a long period resulting most of the victims being abused several times.
“There is so much ignorance on the rights of children and this calls for awareness campaigns. The war against child abuse should not be left to organisations that deal with the abused children but should involve all communities,’’ says Ndlovu.
Synopsis
Nyembezi is story of a young girl (Nyembezi) who suffers sexual abuse at the hands of her father. When her mother learns about this she collapses and dies. Nyembezi runs away from the village, as soon as she gives birth to a baby boy, she runs away to the city. At a city she did not know anything about, there she becomes a destitute, a marobani (gangster), sphatheleni, (illegal forex exchanger), waitress and rises up to a hotel functions manager, after receiving education through a well-wisher.
In the picture comes Mazinyane whom she falls in love with and only to discover that he is her son, the son she left koMazibise 21 years ago and after they have had a son together.
Objectives
The stage production Nyembezi seeks through the use of narrative and sound effects film components to raise awareness on abuse on women and children in the communities and especially in rural around the country, human rights included.
Nyembezi also aims to promote child rights and HIV/Aids Free Generation and thrives to encourage children and everyone abused to SPEAK OUT.
It is envisioned that with more resources and concentrated activity theatre, as the arts, will highly influence behaviour change in the communities especially on men.
@peterkmatika
