Zimbabwean Theatre Practitioners Gear Up for an Exciting 2025 Season
Zimbabwe’s theatre industry is set to captivate audiences in 2025 with a vibrant lineup of productions, following a revival that breathed new life into the sector last year. With high expectations for growth and creativity, leading production houses are preparing to build on their recent successes.
The Resurgence of “Molly Street”
One of the standout productions from 2024, Molly Street by Complete Arts Projects, remains a crowd favorite. Directed by Peter Churu and featuring the versatile Chido Joan Tenga in the lead role, the play delves into themes of passion, domestic violence, and women’s struggles in the 1950s sugarcane plantations of Chiredzi.
The production’s emotional soundtrack by Patrick Tembo further enhances the play’s depth, while Tenga’s ability to portray multiple roles has left audiences profoundly moved. Due to its popularity, Molly Street will be performed in Johannesburg at Theatre on the Square from March 3–8 and will tour additional parts of Zimbabwe for those who missed it.
“We are excited to continue this journey,” said Churu. “Molly Street is still in high demand, and we’re thrilled to bring it to new audiences.”
New Productions in the Pipeline
Complete Arts Projects is also working on two new plays, Forty Days and Egoli Promises.
- Forty Days explores the mental health challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on a woman stranded in England due to travel restrictions.
- Egoli Promises tackles migration and its impact on families, examining the struggles of fortune seekers in foreign lands.
“We are already rehearsing for Forty Days, and audiences can expect a thought-provoking experience,” Churu added.
Commitment from Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre
Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre is also gearing up for a thrilling season, with eight productions planned for 2025, including both local and international performances. Among them is Dinner at Sterling, written and directed by Jasen Mphepo.
“We are committed to delivering high-quality productions,” Mphepo said. “Our loyal fans inspire us to keep growing and innovating.”
The Contributions of Theatre Legends
Theatre stalwarts like Daves Guzha and Daniel Maposa continue to shape the industry. Guzha’s acclaimed play Song Unburied, which addresses anti-colonial themes and calls for the return of Mbuya Nehanda’s remains, is set to tour Europe this year. With a stellar cast including Dalma Chiwereva and mbira artist Abel Mafuleni, the production has been praised for its cultural significance and emotional resonance.
Maposa, through Savanna Trust, remains focused on mentorship programs and developing young talent to ensure the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s theatre scene.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 season promises a rich blend of creativity, cultural storytelling, and bold narratives. As the industry continues to flourish, audiences can look forward to a year filled with passion and groundbreaking performances that reflect Zimbabwe’s diverse stories and experiences.
Whether through powerful dramas like Molly Street or innovative new productions, Zimbabwean theatre is poised to remain a vital part of the country’s cultural fabric.
