Financial Gazette (Harare)
Stanley Kwenda
8 May 2008
Harare — THE 2008 edition of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) proved to be a showcase of the spirit of determination among Zimbabweans in a harsh political and economic environment.
The events programmes featured a host of shows giving a vivid picture of what exactly it means to be a Zimbabwean today.
It drew the world's attention to the record inflation rate, high unemployment, mismanagement of the economy, political violence, food shortages and many more problems that currently characterise the life of an ordinary Zimbabwean.
Of note was the opening night gala, which was titled "Dream land".
The festival, which featured all the artistic genres, gave a bird's eye view of the Zimbabwe of today. It was a surreal showcase both socially and politically.
"We just tried to capture the mood of the country through this magnificent display by the hugely talented artists that we have this year," said Soukaina Edom, the opening show choreographer.
On HIFA opening night, Mbira Dzenharira made sure the spirits of the departed were evoked with an inspirational evening of mbira sounds.
Also of interest was a play titled "I Have A Dream", performed by the Canadian theatre company, Chaos Factory together with Young Africa Skills Centre of Chitungwiza.
"We wouldn't have wanted to cause more chaos in Zimbabwe because we think there is enough chaos. However, we had no choice but to put together something along those lines with these extraordinary young guys who are surprisingly able to create these excellent pieces of art despite very difficult circumstances," said Sonia Norris, The Chaos Factory artistic director.
The play "The Two Leaders I Know" was by far the most telling piece of art to be presented at this year's edition of HIFA.
Presented by Davis Guzha, the play is a personal account of the political situation in Zimbabwe through the eyes of one of the country's most politically-conscious theatre practitioners.
The play even oblidged a member of the dreaded spy agency to consult his superiors in full glare of the public after becoming aware of its political theme.
Out of the British Council HIFA Direct initiative, came a highly emotive play, "Loupe", which was performed to a full house at the festival for the first time.
The play also takes a look at the polarised Zimbabwean society, whose family values are being threatened to the core by the politics of hate being expounded by some political leaders.
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