IN an attempt to tackle the complex issues involved in the national healing process artistically, renowned playwright Steven Chifunyise has come up with a play titled Heal the Wounds.

The play, which features a star-studded cast in the form of Chipo Bizure, Tafadzwa Muzondo, Charles Matare, Michael Kudakwashe, Joyce Mpofu and Derek Nziyakwe opens at Theatre in the Park on Tuesday.

Daves Guzha directed the production, which is a compression of facets of the people's views and expectations of the national healing process.

Zimbabwe's unity government has set up a department of national healing led by three ministers from the two MDC formations and Zanu PF to reconcile the country after years of polarisation.

However, there is intense debate on how the programme must be implemented with some sections calling for amnesty for the perpetrators of political violence while others want justice for the victims.

Guzha said the play is more of a discussion forum involving people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

"It has a setting of a traditional gathering in the rural areas known as dare where parents meet their children that have just come from the city," explained Guzha.

"The main point of discussion is the process of national healing. The elders and their children give contrasting views on the process but their discussion fails to yield a solution to the puzzle."

The generation gap is clearly shown when the elders strongly associate themselves with the belief that problems bedeviling the nation are the work of an avenging spirit (ngozi) that needs to be appeased while the younger generation proffers modern interpretations.

From the author's perspective, Chifunyise believes honest dialogue would prepare a good ground for national healing but it is difficult to compress diverse views from various sectors of society for the programme to succeed.

"It is a search for the best way to heal the wounds in the nation and a milestone in the arts' celebration of national healing efforts by both the state and church groups who think Zimbabwe can get past its season of mistrust," Chifunyise said.

The author says it was not easy to gather diverse ideas and views from people due to the political nature of the topic.

It took him almost a year to complete the script.

"It was very difficult to write this play. I found myself having to go through a programme of national inquiry in order to come up with ideas.

"It required a lot of tact because some of the people were very sensitive."

The title Heal the Wounds suggests that the ailment that seeks medication is a painful one that is also physically visible.

Although the director says the play does not come up with solutions, it remains to be seen whether it will be able to identify those who inflicted the wounds.

The whole cast has vast experience in theatre and should be able to deliver a spectacular product.

Heal the Wounds is expected to run until September 26.