Misheck Mzumara cherishes US performance

Thespian Misheck Mzumara says his one-man show in the United States of America (USA) has opened up opportunities in his  acting career.

Mzumara, a lecturer of drama at Mzuzu University, performed Tales of a Migrant at Virginia Tech State University on Monday.

In an interview, the former Nanzikambe Arts actor rated his 45-minute performance highly saying it attracted lecturers, students and other theatre lovers from around the university.

“It was a good performance. As actors, we have our own indicators to rate our performance. In Malawi, the performance is good if the audience make a lot of comments, laugh or cheer as the act progresses.

“But in the US, I learnt that they follow the play quietly and keenly. And it is at the end of the performance that you get the feedback.

“So, in my case, the whole auditorium gave me a standing ovation at the end and kept clapping hands even after I left the stage. It was so intense that I was forced to return on stage to take my second and third bow,” he said.

At the end of the play, Mzumara said he had a question and answer session with the audience.

“I also had informal chats with other patrons who expressed interest to take me to their States and universities to stage the play. I just hope all these materialise,” he said.

One of the patrons, Amos Kalua, a Malawian PhD candidate at the university, said Mzumara’s performance may also open up opportunities for more Malawian actors to perform at the university.

“This was the first time for a Malawian to perform at this university. And now more Americans are curious about Malawi just because Mzumara crafted his art perfectly,” he said.

Tales of A Migrant was written and directed by Thokozani Kapiri. The play, based on true stories, chronicles experiences of individuals who were affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.