Frederick Philander
9 May 2008
Windhoek — Well-known Kenyan playwright and theatre activist, Ngugi wa Mirii, died last weekend after a car accident in Harare, Zimbabwe.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden tragic death of a friend, mentor and esteemed colleague in the cultural sector," Zimbabwean theatre promoter, Daves Guzha, a long-time friend of the deceased, announced Wa Mirii's death.
According to Guzha the late Wa Mirii's car rammed into a stationary truck at an interersection.
Wa Mirii, who lived in exile in Zimbabwe, will be buried in his motherland, Kenya.
"Plans are underway to have him buried in Kenya. The arts sector, fronted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, met this week and resolved to make a collection through the council. Proceeds will be passed on to the family," said Guzha.
It was resolved to draw a schedule of activities to celebrate and commemorate Wa Mirii's creative life as the founder member of an umbrella theatre body in Zimbabwe and a strong contributor to the Southern African Theatre Initiative (SATI).
"There will be dance drama showings at his house, at the memorial service in church and a big send off at the airport. Also, the Zimbabwean arts sector resolved to send in two representatives from the industry to officially accompany the body to Kenya," he said.
Wa Mirii also had theatre ties with Namibia working closely with Committed Artists of Namibia on improving the plight of theatre practitioners in SADC and the now defunct Bricks Community Theatre outfit in the capital.
Once the dust has settled, it is hoped that benefit theatrical and film screenings will be held in his honor and proceeds passed on to the family for fees assistance as he had children who are still in school.
Committed Artists of Namibia (CAN) has also paid tribute to the late Wa Mirii.
"It is with sadness that we bid farewell to an outstanding African playwright, friend and theatre personality, who is respected by most progressive theatre activists in the Southern African region. May his soul rest in peace," said CAN's organising secretary, Felicity Celento.
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