Blantyre-based youthful theatre group YDC Theatre has been hosting Reverend John Chilembwe’s play annually but this year they decided to go on a break.
The group’s director Fumbani Phiri said on Wednesday that they would have loved to host the production as they have been doing as part of commemorating Chilembwe Day which falls on January 15 every year but they needed to revisit the script.
“Over the years, we have been digging more information on Chilembwe. Last time, we looked at the uprising. This year we thought of changing the course but we did not manage because of the timeframe,” Phiri, who has been on top of the production, said.
He acknowledged the support that they have been receiving from people through the production.
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“The production will be back next year if we will manage to put everything in place. We know our patrons and theatre lovers always look forward to this production on January 15 but this year we could not manage and we apologise for not having it,” Phiri said.
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He said they will continue playing their role to partake in historical productions.
“We have a couple of historical productions coming, for instance, we are planning to stage The Walking Ngwazi on May 14 and Camp 17 about Mwanza war in September/October,” the actor and playwright said.
Meanwhile, Phiri has said having run the Udolo Wanga projects last year; they will also be engaged in other initiatives this year.
“In March, we have a stage musical premiere of Disney Broadway adaptation The Lion King, which we are set to have performances during World Theatre Day for Children and Young People on March 20 all the way to March 27, the World Theatre Day,” Phiri said.
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He said they were embracing Assitej theme ‘Take A Child to Theatre,’ so that they can see, explore and experience theatre.
