The second edition of the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret (TRC) Festival is scheduled for July 31 to August 2 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe where 17 theatre groups, including international and local stage productions set to perform.
The annual event brings together international and local theatre productions to provide a platform where practitioners can showcase their work while promoting appreciation of theatre as well as fostering collaborations.
The festival line-up will feature companies from 11 countries, among them Brazil, Germany, Kenya, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Festival executive and creative director Stanley Mambo said organisers are preparing a unique experience for theatre enthusiasts as the festival will feature skills workshops.
“We are gearing up for another lifetime theatre gathering. We have booked a unique blend of theatre plays and workshops from independent creative voices with incredible talent,” he said.
Mambo said the event is driven by the need to preserve theatre as an important art form while promoting meaningful storytelling and engagement within communities.
He said: “Theatre carries our heritage and essential messages. It is a reliable and safe form of entertainment and a tool for positive social dialogue and reflection.
“The festival creates a platform for artists to exchange cultures and experiences through performances, workshop forums and exhibitions.”
This year’s highlights include productions such as Woza Albert by Ndlondlo Theatre from South Africa, alongside performances from Brazil’s Territerio Sirius and Tunisia’s Le Theatre Unifie.
Other acts include Theatre D’azur from La Reunion, Inkaba Productions of South Africa, Purple Brain from Zimbabwe, Zambezi Art Education of Zambia and Little but Fierce from the United Kingdom.
Local participation will feature groups such as Mwezi Arts, Tamba Africa Malawi and youth ensemble Raise The Level Arts, who are expected to showcase their recently premiered play.
TRC administration and finance director Hazel Musochera said the festival continues to grow as a platform for creative exchange and industry development.
“Last year we hosted more than 60 foreign artists, half of them were from Europe and Asia; thus, they paid visa fees, all artists [including Africans] got air tickets, we hired transport and accommodation, catering and hosted stalls by local artists and small scale businesses,” said Musochera.
Beyond performances, the TRC Fringe Fest will take theatre to communities including Msundwe in Lilongwe, Mponela in Dowa and selected schools in Lilongwe as well as correctional facilities.
Musochera said the festival aims to promote cultural exchange while strengthening the local theatre industry.
“Theatre is a tool for social dialogue and a mirror of society. This platform allows artists to exchange cultures and experiences while presenting meaningful entertainment,” she said.
With increased international participation and expanded programming, Musochera said this year’s edition aims to build on the success of the inaugural festival and further position Malawi on the global theatre map.
