Theatre In The Park in Harare next week opens with a play “Lovers, Friends and Money”. The play runs until the 31st March,” a statement from the producer said this week.
Namibians travelling to Zimbabwe should make a point of seeing this stage production during that time.
“Lovers, Friends & Money” is a rare display of poetic licence in generally abstract suspense by a playwright who keeps the story close to the chest, carrying audiences through a journey of sexual allusions, sheer lust and greed and using the moral decadence as a tool to criticize corruption.
It is a story concluding that good can come out of evil when principle triumphs over greed and self-aggrandizement. In suspense, the writer effectively uses the force of drama to shift episodes while directing the play to its more revealing conclusion.
The cast of four – three women and a macho man – are caught up in a web of complexities revolving around sex and a quick buck (from forex deals to diamonds, massive real estate, fast cars, etc.) living large, but in the end (for two of the women) giving away the proceeds of vice to redeem themselves.
It is a play that simply evokes hope. In a way it is a story with a happy ending.
The play is flexible in its form and can imitate different situations at different class levels of society, an element that gives it wider appeal and a human face.
Written by Stephen Chifunyise, directed by Walter Muparutsa and produced by Daves Guzha, the play has an interesting cast of Zimbabwean soapy actors and actresses, Stephen Chigorimbo (Mr. Huni in Studio 263); Tendayi Chakanyuka (former Aunt Mandy in Studio 263 and currently featuring in The Small House Saga); Caroline Mashingaidze (Gillian in Estate Blues) and Tatenda Mavetera (Tendai in Studio 263). The three ladies are new to the stage. This is a deliberate move to try and encourage more film stars to cross over to the stage, and we hope this dream comes true.
Rooftop Promotions, 3 Wimbledon Drive, Eastlea, Harare.