Emilie Shimbali
This month, the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) will present a community play titled ‘Surviving the Odds’ which will address issues affecting people with disabilities.
The play was created in collaboration with the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and various local artists with disabilities to raise public awareness about the capabilities and rights of people with disabilities.
The performance will be in English, local sign languages, and Afrikaans. The community play, starring actors Saara Kaapanda, Ngumeritiza Katuuo, and Namutenya Hamukoto, aims to address the negative attitudes that the general public has toward people with disabilities in Namibia.
Furthermore, it aims to address the highlights and challenges of Namibian PWDS over the country’s more than 30 years of independence.
“I want to be successful and share that even if you have a disability, you can still make it all you have to do is give it a try,” says Katuuo, one of the actors.
The 21-year-old student believes that drama is important for both education and entertainment.
Hamukoto, who is also visually impaired, hopes that people with disabilities in Namibia are heard, respected and not treated differently.
The National Arts Council of Namibia is funding the performance in order to support long-term opportunities for artists with disabilities.
It is scheduled for 12 October at Commando Hall Katutura, 13 October at the Reformed Pentecostal Church in Wanaheda, and 14 October 2021, at the Okuryangava Disability Resource Centre.
“There is no need to make a reservation for the performance; however, space is limited due to Covid-19 regulations. Early attendance is encouraged to avoid capacity disappointment,” according to the NTN.