Here comes ‘De Summer Blow’
By Sam Banda Jnr:
Theatre maestro Du Chisiza Jr’s 1994 production De Summer Blow about politics and society which was published into a book in 1998 comes to the stage tomorrow at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
The play will be staged by Du’s children and friends in a performance dubbed ‘For Du by Du’s Children and Du’s Friends’.
Spearheaded by Du’s daughter Doreen, who is based in United States of America, the play, which will also extend to Blantyre Cultural Centre on March 10 2019, is part of celebrating Du Chisiza Jr’s life.
“It’s been hard work and massive rehearsals. We are ready and excited. It is all about celebrating our father’s life and his dream of a theatrical future in Malawi,” Doreen said Thursday.
Born on March 26 1963, Du died on February 24 1999.
Du formed Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre (Wet), which was one of the successful theatre companies in the country.
After his death, theatre darling the late Getrude Webster Kamkwatira took over the group for a short time before forming her own Wanna Do Ensemble Theatre.
Wet, led by Bazuka Mhango, has been out of the limelight for some time.
Mhango came out recently to announce that they were also doing a memorial which was expected to be held in Blantyre on February 24 2019.
But they failed to do so and it is not yet clear when they would return to the stage to hold their performance.
“We are happy to invite everyone to join us celebrate a son of Malawi and a US based artist. There is no compromise and people will see the best on the day,” Doreen said.
Doreen is part of the cast which also has among others, Kelvin Ngoma, who starred in Chiwetel Ejiofor’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind which premieres globally on Netflix today, Jeremiah Mwaungulu, Thlupego Chisiza, Edwin Saidi, Sreah Chisiza, Clara Katunga, Peter Saidi, Enoch Nyirenda, Tchumbo Chisiza and Misheck Mzumara.
Others who are part of the production are Nkhumbata Chisiza, Du Chisiza III, Ngongite Chisiza and Dipolathu Katimba.
“I hope that the new generation take interest in his plays. He was a fantastic writer, actor, director, husband and father. We are very lucky to have been a part of his journey here on earth,” the actress said.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
