Norwegian playwright Sunniva M. Roligheten has collaborated with Malawian theatre makers from Mwezi Arts in a cross-cultural exchange production titled Until I Afford Soap set to premiere in Lilongwe.
The premiere is set for this Saturday at Madsoc Theatre with more performances set for March 1, 7 and 8 at the same venue.
The play follows four children who approach Amos, a mysterious man living in a swamp and persuade him to share stories from his past.
The children’s curiosity turns to solemn reflection as Amos reveals the consequences of his university years.
In an interview, Roligheten said her encounter at the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret Festival, an event organised by Mwezi Arts last year, inspired the collaboration for the production.
“Sometimes it is intimidating to work with such talented people as those from Mwezi Arts, but I am very happy I dared to reach out to them with my script,” she said.
Roligheten said the play, her first full-length theatre production, was inspired by her encounters while studying in Uganda in 2024 and the festival ignited her desire to produce the play in Malawi.
She hopes the production sparks discussions about Malawi’s abortion law and encourage young actors to pursue their careers.
“Several children participating in the play are new to acting and I hope this will spark an interest to pursue theatre,” said the playwright.
The production has already attracted interest from South African theatre festivals and with proper funding, the team plans to tour across Africa, including Uganda, where the play was originally inspired.
The cast is led by Theodore Pleasant Banda, known for roles in other theatre productions, including Waiting for Godot, Nyambose Goes to Town and Operation Mandala.
In a separate interview, he highlighted the importance of international collaborations for opening opportunities for the local industry and fostering cultural exchange.
“We really need these international collaborations as they are a gateway to other opportunities,” said Banda.
He also commended the inclusion of young actors in the production saying it ensures the young generation is learning the necessary skills needed to grow the local industry.
“You can only straighten a tree when it is young and nurturing these kids will ensure that we have a great quality of talent to grow the industry,” said Banda.
The productions plot explores themes of youth ambition, unemployment, dignity and gaps in sexual and reproductive health rights.
Roligheten is a prize-winning Norwegian author who has published two novels and a contributor to different anthologies.
Until I Afford Soap has been directed by Madsoc executive and creative director Stanley Mambo whose venue has been constant in hosting theatre productions.
Under Mwezi Arts and for other companies, Mambo has also directed and at times adapted productions such as State of The Ape Address, Waiting for Godot, Salema, Ganyu, Once An Actress, Dirt, La Reigne et le Pintade, Conqured Plans, Zoo Story and Wishes.
