For a long time, drama has been a source of relaxation for people after a hectic, busy week.
There was choice. If one wanted to watch Chichewa drama, the darling was Kwathu, but in case of English drama, the first choice to many was Wakhumbata Ensemble Theatre.
After the demise of Wankhumbata, there is still solace with the emergence of Waz Theatre. It is the Chichewa one that is missing.
Kwathu Drama Group has produced a number of plays such as Madzi akataika and Njakata and also talented actors in the late John Nyanga, Eric Mabedi and Christopher Chiwalo.
But since last year, particularly after the death of leader Mabedi, the group stopped performing.
But current team leader Charles Mphoka says the group is still alive.
“Kwathu Drama Group is well and kicking although it has been quiet in the eyes of the public. We have had venue challenges since the closure of French Cultural Centre[Blantyre Cultural Centre [BCC] ],” he said.
Mphoka, widely known as Magagula in drama circles, said the routine has been to start a show at BCC, move to districts such as Mulanje then Lilongwe. He said the idea was to find money to travel.
He said: “It was easy and cheap to organise a show at BCC because most of the actors stay in Blantyre. Since the patronage has always been good, we were realising enough money to travel to other places.
“But the closure of BCC affected us so much that we could not have shows. Other venues are not for such shows, but also too expensive.”
Mphoka said they are not just staying as suggested by some people because they are carring out hired activities.
He urged organisations to use the group for their events or commercial purposes.
Looking at the future of drama in the country, Mphoka said: “Sponsorship is the only solution. These days, the cost of advertising, venue and travel is so high that threatre groups cannot afford. There is need for companies and institutions to assist.”
Associate professor of drama and theatre studies at the University of Malawi Zindaba Chisiza said much as there is little visibility of drama, it is not completely out.
He said: “It is about advertising. During Wakhumbata days, there were extensive advertising through radio and posters. That is no longer there.
“However, it does not mean that there are no theatre activities taking place. For example, we had one here at the University of Malawi.”
Blantyre Arts Festival director Thom Chibambo said the situation is challenging not only for drama, but other arts as well because of technology.
He said in the past, there were few televisions and people resorted to physical entertainment such as drama or poetry.
“But these days, people are watching films on television in their homes. Then there is social media where they can access whatever entertainment they want. People fail to understand the context of drama and there is need for a new approach,” said Chibambo.
He agreed with Mphoka on the negative impact the closure of BCC has had on the entertainment industry in Blantyre.
The director said Lilongwe is better off with Madsoc Theatre, which was constructed for performances. He said government intervention can save the situation.
“With the economic problems people face currently, it is difficult for artists to hire places such as Bingu International Convention Centre because they are expensive. Surely you cannot expect drama groups such as Kwathu to afford it,” said Chibambo.
Poetry Association of Malawi vice-president Daniel Zabuloni Dama said even poetry has been affected by the current situation.
He said it involves moving poets from different parts of the country, which needs a lot of money.
“And when you spend money on these people, venue and advertising, you find that only three people attend, which is a huge loss. So when you want to organise an activity such as poetry, you think about all those things as to whether it will be a success or not,” said Dama.
