article by tawanda ngena
Looking at the events of last November, you have to admire Zimbabweans for their fortitude, not only that, but their great sense of humour as well!
After all that tension, some 'comic relief' is definitely what any good doctor would have prescribed! In this case it comes in the form of a brand new theatre production titled 'Restore Regasi', a satitical look at those same events of November 15 where Zimbabwe witnessed a political upheaval like no other.
So if you are keen to relive such an historic chapter in our history, well, at least the funnier version of it, then find your way to the Theatre in The Park arena in the capital this March 28th, 29th and 30th. You definitely won't be disappointed!
Written by Charles Munganasa, a Theatre Arts graduate from the University of Zimbabwe, the comedy, 'Restore Regasi' is sure to leave a few ribs cracked just from the laughter alone!
"I decided to use comedy because I felt that it was the best way people could reflect on past events without attaching too many feelings. At the end of the day we should all be able to look back and laugh at history whilst we shape the future", said Munganasa.
"For us, this is called documentary theatre, whereby we capture and stage historical events for the benefit of our people and future generations. For example, when the real 'Operation Restore legacy' took place, people where terrified and confused and did not know what would happen next but now as we restage the whole event, people can afford to sit back, relax and eat popcorn whilst laughing their lungs out.
"I was inspired by the need to document such an historical event and to be able to tell it to the whole world through my own voice and language as a writer", he added.
Entertaining as it promises to be, this is one theatre production that didn't come cheap! Charles confirmed as much and also took the opportunity to call upon potential sponsors to help make sure that the play reaches all four corners of our great nation.
"The future of this play depends on sponsorship. It is an expensive production which comes with a crew of ten people and a full set which is constructed on stage together with Presidential properties. as such it is difficult moving people from one city to another.
"The Harare show alone has cost us close to US$1500 and we not certain if the gate takings will be able to cover the costs and also cover costs related to the next show probably in Bulawayo. This is a great play which should be watched by every Zimbabwean and those beyond our borders hence I call upon sponsors and promoters to chip in and help this play to reach its fullest potential", said Charles.
Even though DVD sales would help alleviate some of the costs, Charles reckons however that it will be a while before DVDs of the play are made available on the market since there's still a long way to go in as far as touring with the play.
"Only after all tbe tours. So expect them around december or even 2 years from now depending on how people will receive it....but judging from how it was received in Masvingo, I can safely say we still have a lot of places to go", said Munganasa.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Charles is a two time nama nominee for best Director and best Script writer. He has written plays such as The Graduates, Ananias and Sapphire and Chronicles of the Rainbow Nation
He turned down an offer to study law and opted for theatre because it has always been his passion since childhood.
Charles is also a film producer whose works such as Dreamers Reality TV show and Seiko (Nama Award winning short film) have been broadcast on ZTV.
The filmmaker also works with the Great Zimbabwe University performing arts department as a consulted in film and theatre.
synopsis
As the political tension rises in Zimbabwe following the dismisal of Emmerson Mnangagwa as Vice President of the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces through its commander, General Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga warns politicians in the ruling party particularly its leadership to stop the current purging of members with a liberation war background and also to stop reckless utterences directed at the military.
This does not go down well with Grace Mugabe who decides to sent Kudzai Chipanga (Youth Wing leader) to read a press statement further denigrating the military. The red line had been crossed and military tankers move into the streets as the situation in the country has moved to another level!
With the President under close monitoring by the military, the police completely disarmed and the state broadcaster under supervision; all that was left was for the people to express their will and as such they throng the streets in their thousands to call for the President to step down. It is such an historic moment as both the people and the army are on the same side, much to the shock and disappointment of the first family. However as stubborn as ever the President refuses to step down, instead he reminds the nation that there is still a lot of work to be done before he repeats his now infamous line, "Asante Sana, Good night", during a press conference where everyone expects him to step down.
However as the pressure continues to mount and as the President's loyalists leave him in the cold, refusing to attend his cabinet meeting but instead opting to participate in his impeachment process in parliament. The writing was clear on the wall and after 37 years the President finally resigns.
After all that tension, some 'comic relief' is definitely what any good doctor would have prescribed! In this case it comes in the form of a brand new theatre production titled 'Restore Regasi', a satitical look at those same events of November 15 where Zimbabwe witnessed a political upheaval like no other.
So if you are keen to relive such an historic chapter in our history, well, at least the funnier version of it, then find your way to the Theatre in The Park arena in the capital this March 28th, 29th and 30th. You definitely won't be disappointed!
Written by Charles Munganasa, a Theatre Arts graduate from the University of Zimbabwe, the comedy, 'Restore Regasi' is sure to leave a few ribs cracked just from the laughter alone!
"I decided to use comedy because I felt that it was the best way people could reflect on past events without attaching too many feelings. At the end of the day we should all be able to look back and laugh at history whilst we shape the future", said Munganasa.
"For us, this is called documentary theatre, whereby we capture and stage historical events for the benefit of our people and future generations. For example, when the real 'Operation Restore legacy' took place, people where terrified and confused and did not know what would happen next but now as we restage the whole event, people can afford to sit back, relax and eat popcorn whilst laughing their lungs out.
"I was inspired by the need to document such an historical event and to be able to tell it to the whole world through my own voice and language as a writer", he added.
Entertaining as it promises to be, this is one theatre production that didn't come cheap! Charles confirmed as much and also took the opportunity to call upon potential sponsors to help make sure that the play reaches all four corners of our great nation.
"The future of this play depends on sponsorship. It is an expensive production which comes with a crew of ten people and a full set which is constructed on stage together with Presidential properties. as such it is difficult moving people from one city to another.
"The Harare show alone has cost us close to US$1500 and we not certain if the gate takings will be able to cover the costs and also cover costs related to the next show probably in Bulawayo. This is a great play which should be watched by every Zimbabwean and those beyond our borders hence I call upon sponsors and promoters to chip in and help this play to reach its fullest potential", said Charles.
Even though DVD sales would help alleviate some of the costs, Charles reckons however that it will be a while before DVDs of the play are made available on the market since there's still a long way to go in as far as touring with the play.
"Only after all tbe tours. So expect them around december or even 2 years from now depending on how people will receive it....but judging from how it was received in Masvingo, I can safely say we still have a lot of places to go", said Munganasa.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Charles is a two time nama nominee for best Director and best Script writer. He has written plays such as The Graduates, Ananias and Sapphire and Chronicles of the Rainbow Nation
He turned down an offer to study law and opted for theatre because it has always been his passion since childhood.
Charles is also a film producer whose works such as Dreamers Reality TV show and Seiko (Nama Award winning short film) have been broadcast on ZTV.
The filmmaker also works with the Great Zimbabwe University performing arts department as a consulted in film and theatre.
synopsis
As the political tension rises in Zimbabwe following the dismisal of Emmerson Mnangagwa as Vice President of the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces through its commander, General Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga warns politicians in the ruling party particularly its leadership to stop the current purging of members with a liberation war background and also to stop reckless utterences directed at the military.
This does not go down well with Grace Mugabe who decides to sent Kudzai Chipanga (Youth Wing leader) to read a press statement further denigrating the military. The red line had been crossed and military tankers move into the streets as the situation in the country has moved to another level!
With the President under close monitoring by the military, the police completely disarmed and the state broadcaster under supervision; all that was left was for the people to express their will and as such they throng the streets in their thousands to call for the President to step down. It is such an historic moment as both the people and the army are on the same side, much to the shock and disappointment of the first family. However as stubborn as ever the President refuses to step down, instead he reminds the nation that there is still a lot of work to be done before he repeats his now infamous line, "Asante Sana, Good night", during a press conference where everyone expects him to step down.
However as the pressure continues to mount and as the President's loyalists leave him in the cold, refusing to attend his cabinet meeting but instead opting to participate in his impeachment process in parliament. The writing was clear on the wall and after 37 years the President finally resigns.
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