Nkululeko Sibanda
17 January 2009
Bulawayo — A number of big names in African theatre and arts are set to grace this year's Amakhosi Theatre Productions programmes as the company moves to establish links with artists from across the continent.
Amakhosi founder and artistic director, Cont Mhlanga said several high profile artists had been invited to share skills and experience with locals at the centre.
He said although the final line-up had not been finalised, plans were afoot to bring celebrated poet Muziwakhe Mbuli, kwaito king, Arthur Mafokate's dancers and popular disc jockeys from South Africa.
The initiative, he said, was aimed at keeping Zimbabwean artists abreast with the fast changing trends in the arts industry.
"Our vision is to introduce an international flair in our local arts industry," Mhlanga said in an interview.
"This vision will see a of lot of skills and experience sharing amongst Zimbabwean artists and those from the region.
"We have invited a number of big names in the arts industry from the region who will conduct workshops for our Zimbabwean artists.
"They will also share the stage with locals to cement what they would have learnt or shared during the workshops."
Mhlanga said this would help polish local talent and prepare artists to the international market.
At the moment, he said, Zimbabwean artists fell short of being an "exportable or bankable brand" as their skills still needed sharpening to suit international standards.
Said Mhlanga: "For instance, we have seen the sprouting of dance groups in the country.
"Most of these groups simply copy what they see on television and imitate it.
"They forget that there is need for choreography which is a language in dance and that language is produced by what is called a choreographer."
The veteran playwright said Amakhosi wanted to help build a sharpened arts industry that would tap into opportunities presented by the 2010 World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.
He said the arts industry was expected to play a pivotal role in marketing the region during the tournament.
"Our strategy is to ensure that we are ready for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa," Mhlanga said.
"We hope to do this through these interactive workshops we have lined up with regional based artists.
"We should not be caught napping as we are the ones who have to play a lead role in marketing our region to the world," he said.
Amakhosi has also lined up programmes aimed at celebrating internationally celebrated days under the United Nations and the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) calendar.
According to Mhlanga, the approach would see Amakhosi host discussion forums amongst artists that will culminate in productions aimed at celebrating themes for the occasions.
To set the ball rolling, the theatre production house has lined up a function to commemorate Valentine's Day on Friday 14 at the Amakhosi Theatre and Cultural Square.
The same spot will also host Mother's and Father's Day Commemorations, World Poets Day, World Theatre Day, and World Dance Day.
Preparations are already at an advanced stage for the Mother Language Day and the World Dance Day as the company has already sealed contracts with some of the artists that will perform on these days.
"We are working on some other contracts with some other artists. We have sealed some of the contracts and all looks set for our programmes," a confident Mhlanga said.
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