National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) Southern Region Chapter on Saturday joined the kidney awareness drive championed by Mphukira Foundation with a walk and a performance at the Alliance Française de Blantyre, formerly Jacaranda Cultural Centre.
Former Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre (WET) actor Emmanuel Maliro established the initiative after doctors discovered he had only one kidney, instead of two.
In October, hikers and artists joined the cause that Maliro, known as Manzy the Jumper in hiking circles, initiated under Mphukira Foundation Organisation.
Apart from the awareness walk, the actors from various groups, TV and radio cuts, united in a short play written by Kwathu Drama Group’s Charles Mphoka and directed by MacBen Mkochi, known by the moniker Giling’ande.
The play featured actors such as Steven Chisale, popularly known as Munyeliwa, Macxytings Mdoka and Love Mbotela.
The play used humour and facts to civic educate people on kidney disease and how one can minimise risks associated with the disease.
Ntam Southern Region Chapter chairperson Allison Mpunga said they will not stop conducting awareness on kidney disease.
“People should get tested and know their condition. That way, they will be able to follow doctors’ advice on diet and other habits,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Maliro, Blantyre Theatre Lab director Mphundu Mjumira said he was pleased that the message will reach many people.
“I have known Manzy for over 20 years. We have featured together in many plays, including an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream at Nanzikambe. He came up with a good cause and it is great that actors are supporting it,” he said.
The performance was supported by dances by the Mudzi Dance Troupe and a play on divorce written by Imran Shaban of Young Travellers Theatre.
