A production titled Karthasis – Tonthola which is collaboration between performers from Malawi and Germany will premiere at the seventh edition of the Easter Theatre Festival on Saturday.
The three-day Easter Theatre Festival to be held at Portuguese Club in Blantyre starts tomorrow and ends on Sunday with several other activities on the line-up.
The country’s Arts Sustainability Lab in collaboration with Bettina Kassim and Friends from Hannover in Germany will present Karthasis Tonthola, a co-creation dance project that is set to bring a dynamic exchange of contemporary performance practices.
The production according to a statement, explores improvisational dance, integrating lighting, music and movement to create a compelling and immersive stage experience.
The Malawi cast that features in the project are Robert Magasa, Joshua Bhima Thenson Austin, Zaheera Mussah, Shandoflex and musician Agorosso.
- Advertisement -
From Hannover in Germany, the cast has dancer and choreographer Bettina Palleta and musician Emre Kassim.
Magasa who recently staged a one-act play titled M’bona: The Rainmaker’s Story said yesterday he was excited to be part of the production.
“This creates a space for openness and possibility. Collaboration becomes less about fixed outcomes and more about shared exploration – listening, responding and building something together in the moment,” he said.
The actor and contemporary dancer who is also set to perform a Shakespeare’s play at the same festival in a Scotland and Malawi collaboration which includes former Nanzikambe Arts Director Kate Stafford said this mission also allows for a deeper exchange where different perspectives and practices can meet naturally.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
“That process is what makes it meaningful – it is not just about the final result, but about the connection and discovery that happen along the way,” Magasa said.
Actor and playwright Jack Musumba from Arts Sustainability Lab said Karthasis Tonthola reflects a shared artistic vision rooted in cross-cultural dialogue, experimentation and collaborative creation.
“The project highlights the growing creative exchange between Malawi and Germany, offering audiences a unique blend of perspectives and performance styles,” Musumba said.
The team had a workshop on Tuesday at Alliance Francaise de Blantyre.
Meanwhile, the festival’s coordinator McArthur Matukuta, who is also Solomonic Peacocks Director, said yesterday that the festival starts tomorrow with the official opening in the afternoon as well as performances from Judges Cultural Troupe, Nzeka Arts and Pemphero Chiwaya.
