Mutag, Pamthunzi Arts goes to Lilongwe
After successfully staging The Secret Life of Us in Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu, Mzuzu University Theatre Arts Group (Mutag) and Pamthunzi Arts are taking the play to Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe this Friday May 18.
Mutag Arts director Misheck Mzumara said the play, which demystifies the life of commercial sex workers, is helping to deal with myths and misconceptions about sex workers.
He said: “In Malawi we have misconceptions about sex workers. Many think these are evil women but little is appreciated about their every day struggles and what makes them opt for this form of livelihood.”
Mzumara said since they started staging the play, it has received mixed reactions. While some people still wonder how women could openly talk about sex, others applaud the women for breaking barriers and taking part in fighting for the rights of the less privileged—commercial sex workers.
Dipo Katimba, who co-wrote the play with Effie Makepeace, said the play is achieving its aim of teaching the masses on the challenges and abuses sex workers go through in their day to day lives.
“Sex workers are normal people with children and families that rely on them. They have dreams and aspirations for a better future and this play tries to highlight that aspect of their lives,” she said.
The play was first staged in 2012 by Nanzikambe Arts but now it has been directed by Mzumara while Katimba is taking the lead acting role.
Based on true stories as told by sex workers from Mbayani, Kachere and other townships around Blantyre, the play follows the lives of three commercial sex workers as they go about their trade in drinking joints.
Apart from Katimba, it also features Maureen Mzumara and Chikondi Litete. n
