Manganya’s play incurs losses in Blantyre
A play titled Mwanayu Ndi Wanu? written by Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi, popularly known as Manganya in the theatre sphere, failed to make profits during its showcase at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Sunday.
Usi, who was part of the cast and plays one of the lead roles, confirmed Wednesday that they incurred losses during the performance aimed at raising funds to help build houses for Cyclone Freddy survivors.
“Gate collections from tickets raised K1.3 million but the expenses went up to K1.8 million. All these expenses went to service providers, who charged us 100 percent. I think with public demand to bring the play to Blantyre, we needed to get sponsors to help us on the expenses we have incurred,” he said.
Usi said he had to dig deeper into his pocket on some of the expenses.
“We are thankful for the turnout in Blantyre, they supported us but the huge mistake we made was to hold the performance without sponsors,” he said.
The development is in contrast to Lilongwe where the production made its premiere and raised more than K7 million.
“In Lilongwe, it was a different story because we had sponsors and most of the services had sponsorship while in Blantyre it was not the case. We are not happy with the losses incurred but we will still keep on and as we target places like Zomba and Mzuzu, we have to get sponsors first,” Usi said.
The play tells a typical Malawian story where it exposes the tendency by some people of intruding into affairs that do not concern them including marriage.
Apart from Usi, other actors starring in the production include Ruth Simika, Charles Mphoka, Margaret Chikwembeya, Linda Chatha, Enifa Chiwaya, Jeremiah Mwaungulu, Ferguson Magona and Mcbein Kochi.
