After its several stints at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe, a one-act production titled State of the Ape Address starring Tawonga Taddja Nkhonjera goes back to the venue tomorrow in a sendoff showdown.
This is an adaptation play written by Franz Kafka but has been directed by Stanley Mambo.
After its outing at Madsoc Theatre, the play treks to other Southern African countries for a tour with the first performance in South Africa on May 15 2024 at Zai Oat Laduma Hotel and then Polokwane Library Gardens Auditorium on May 16.
“We are excited to hold yet another performance at Madsoc Theatre which is a home of theatre. This is more like a warm up ahead of a tour of Southern Africa with countries such as South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Zimbabwe on the menu,” Nkhonjera said.
Nkhonjera, who has also written and directed a number of productions, said they were not done with the production as they were also planning more tours outside the country.
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“We are also appealing to schools, especially colleges and high schools, to book the show under the Literature Live programme, where we showcase the play and then have literature workshops with the students,” he said.
A Mwezi Arts production produced by Hazel Musochera, speaks to the people today, highlighting vital issues such as pollution, neo-colonialism, modern-day slavery and self-esteem.
In the play, Red Peter, played by Nkhonjera, an ape who was shot, captured and scientifically tamed to mimic human action and speech, presents his story to members of the academy – A State of the Ape Address.
Red Peter loses the memory of what being an ape feels like. To fit and find a way out, he adapts to handshaking, smoking, spitting, scrolling, performing and drinking.
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Meanwhile, Inter Alliance for Umunthu Theatre continues to tour with its play titled Nyambose Goes to Town which was written by Inno Katz.
After its performances in Lilongwe, the play goes to Blend Lodge and Kitchen in Zomba on May 14 2024.
