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Reclaiming performing arts lost glory

Over two decades ago, Malawi had active travelling theatre groups. And of late, Malawi has witnessed the resurrection of live theatre performances. One theatre group that is fast making a name is Mzuzu University Theatre Arts Group (Mutag). It has so far travelled nationwide performing and establishing itself as a live theatre performing act. Our Entertainment Editor EDITH GONDWE caught up with Mutag director Misheck Mzumara for an interview…  

Mzumara: We believe that live drama is most enjoyable

Q

: While the country has seen dwindling standards of live theatre performances we have seen the emergence of Mutag. Can you shed more light on the blossoming of this group?

A

: Mutag was founded in 1999 with its motto ‘More Magic Your Way.’ Since then it has grown from strength to strength with people who have been passionate about drama. Professor Muzipasi Shumba and Associate Professor Mapopa Sanga now based in the USA trained a number of young men in drama. The likes of Misheck Banda, William Maulidi and myself who are at the moment steering Mutag into greater heights. Mutag falls under the Department of Languages and Literature as such the department demands from the three patrons mentioned, that Mutag should only be involved in the creation of high quality, creative theatre productions of international standards, hence the dedication the group shows in producing good quality productions.

A number of partners such as British Council Malawi, Leeds University, Nanzikambe Arts, National Aids Commission (NAC) and Bilimankhwe Arts –Uk have also been instrumental in the blossoming of the group.

 

Q

: With the coming in of many television stations in the country it is believed that Malawians now would stay home and watch performances on television. How many of your performances have been captured either live or recorded by these TVs?

A

: Mutag has so far produced one film, Alufeyo with funding from National Aids Commission  NAC.  The script was by Misheck Banda and the movie was directed by Villant Ndasowa. At the moment, Banda is writing another script which will be produced into a film soon.

For our live performances, we wouldn’t want to have them recorded. We prefer people to enjoy them as live performances in the same way people enjoy a live band on stage than watching it on TV. We believe that live drama is most enjoyable, because people see actors; people live on stage not objects on the screen. We are geared towards making people go and watch live theatre performances in the same way at times they could watch films on television at home.

 

Q

: What thematic areas about development, society and economics as a theatre group do you tackle/address in your performances?

A

: Mutag is mainly there for the production of creative theatre for people to enjoy; doing theatre for arts sake. We want to promote and develop the arts in Malawi. This is the reason we work with different drama groups around Mzuzu and beyond as a means of free training- you know making a contribution to society with the aim that different groups would be able to produce quality theatre and make some money out of it.

On secondary importance we have tackled issues of health, climate change, migration and gender issues in some of our productions

 

Q

: Issues of live performances go hand in hand with resources. How do you source money for your travels around the country?

A

: We do not have steady sponsors, but from time to time some come up with some funds that enable us travel from time to time. We are still lobbying for steady sponsors at the moment.

 

Q

: Recently, you did a one-man theatre performance at HS Winehouse. What kind of reaction did the play get from Malawians whom you described as having not used to these types of casts?

A

: HS Winehouse is a good venue. The people sit quitely, listening and watching to whatever actors on stage are saying and doing. As a result, they followed the story very well and the response was overwhelming. I am yet to test it at some venues, where people answer calls, talk even if the play is in progress. I should add to say that students studying arts at Mzuzu University also proved to be a great audience. They were focused and they seemed to have enjoyed the play a great deal.

 

Q

: What would you say are the challenges facing Mutag and theatre in general in Malawi?

A

: I would say proper theatre venues in the country are a major challenge.  There is need to have proper venues and affordable ones. Many venues charge a fee way too high for the theatre companies and drama groups to afford. This deters many groups from staging many shows.

 

Q

: What are your views on theatre development in Malawi?

A

: Theatre is growing in the country. We have seen the emergence of many theatre groups as well as high quality theatre performances. Newspapers have been awash with arts news of how good many productions have been at Madsoc in Lilongwe, at HS Winehouse and Mzuzu University. There is also a whatsApp grouping for artists called Arts Entrepreneurs Portal where artists share ideas and discussing issues on how to make theatre grow, which wasn’t there before.n

 

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