A second taste for Blantyre
Popular vernacular drama group – Kwathu, may have shortfalls when it comes to stage work which they have compromised for a long time but their plays continue to bless many people.
It was the same on Easter Monday when the group restaged their latest production this year Mwatilakwira at Blantyre Cultural Centre.
According to the group’s spokesperson Bon Kalindo popularly known as Winiko in the theatre circles, they brought back the play to Blantyre Cultural Centre following a public demand.
“We have always received great support from Blantyre and so some people missed out and requested us to stage it again. So we are excited that we finally staged it again,” he said.
Kalindo promised people more plays this year having failed them last year where they only staged one production.
The play was premiered at Mulanje View Motel recently before it was taken to Blantyre Cultural Centre.
Although this was a second taste, the performance received yet another impressive audience.
Reverend Baxton Maulidi hailed Kwathu for tackling a subject of homosexuality in Mwatilakwira, which he said they articulated it better for people to understand.
“This is a play which is very rich in message and I am even impressed because it tackles the issue of same sex relationships which is currently being discussed on the ground. I hope they will take it to other areas,” said Maulidi.
Traditional dances warmed up the stage on Easter Monday before Kwathu took over the stage.
Unlike during premiere when the play had some shortfalls which included prolonged scenes, this time Kwathu polished the piece having accommodated views from the audience.
Kwathu showed its creativity when it used a form of a wedding to tell a story and even in an advert, they had called on people to come and attend a wedding.
Mwatilakwira opens with a colourful wedding ceremony of Adam and Eve at a church where the couple made their marriage vows.
Reverend Nanthalo, who officiates the wedding played by Eric Mabedi happens to be Adam’s father.
But things take a twist after three years when Eve’s relatives including her mother played by Enifa Chiwaya eagerly waits for a grandchild.
After pressure, Eve played by Mwandipa Chimaliro opens up to her mother and reveals that Adam played by Moses Mandebvu is gay.
The climax of the play brings together a meeting of traditional leaders, Parliamentarians and religious leaders among others where they discuss several issues with homosexuality being the main subject.
The gathering hits at the government for sneaking out whenever they are going to sign agreements and that they only appear after signing.
Other actors starring in the play are Evans Mbewe, Linda Chatha, Mussa Penoh, Ferguson Magona and Nelia Chosalawa.
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