Stage drama needs support —Solomonic Peacock leader
Local stage drama in Malawi has the potential to grow and become a big form of entertainment, but there are many obstacles which need to be overcome.
Solomonic Peacock director MacArthur Matukuta made the remarks on Tuesday after attending a 10-day workshop on drama in South Africa organised by Theatre du Soleil in conjunction with Sibikwa Arts Centre.
He said:“We are moving but at a slow pace. The passion is there, but we are being frustrated by the surrounding circumstances, mainly lack of proper and affordable venues. The unavailability of the Blantyre Cultural Centre is greatly impacting the development of theatre.”
Matukuta called on government to do all it can to rehabilitate and ensure Blantyre Cultural Centre is operational.
“Our plea to government through the responsible minister is to help us theatre players by fast-tracking rehabilitation works at Blantyre Cultural Centre as well as identifying other venues for stage drama to thrive,” he said.
Matukuta encouraged theatre and stage drama actors to cast their nests wider so that they continue to thrive and develop drama beyond the borders.
He said the training centred on the use of music in theatre and the use of masks accompanied by rules of theatrical rules.
“I will share the knowledge acquired with artists here through workshops as we are preparing for the forth coming Easter Theatre Festival,” said Matukuta.
He thanked Jacaranda Cultural Centre through the France Embassy for facilitating his participation at the training.
In its communication, organisers of the training wrote: “The training is aimed at teaching actors to be able to take instructions to the letter, understand and do not judge your character, among others.”
