Profile and History of the UZ Department of Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts is the oldest performing arts unit in the country with a strong tradition of excellence in creativity, teaching and research. The Department is aware of the role it is expected to contribute to the development of Zimbabwean cultural production through excellent creativity, the production and dissemination of knowledge and making available the expertise of its staff in the formulation of cultural and heritage policies. In terms of research, the Department produces high quality research in the form of publications which advance knowledge; creative works, compositions and performances which advance knowledge in the creative and performative disciplines and Masters and Doctoral graduates who have advanced methodological skills and are able to advance or to apply knowledge in their disciplines. The Department’s focus is on cultural production where our output centres on high quality theatre, dance and choreography as well as creative stage, sound and lighting designs and sets arising from these productions. The Department showcases students and staff performative works for public audiences and engages in creative writing for both theatre and the screen. In terms of quality assurance the Department has internal and external mechanisms and procedures which enable it to review regularly the efficiency and effectiveness of its activities. The infrastructure at the disposal of the Department comprising its production house, The Beit Hall Theatre, with an assortment of spaces for rehearsals and storing costumes and properties, has created a physical environment which is conducive to the realisation of its objectives.

Theatre Arts Department’s History and its Activities

The Department of Theatre Arts of the University of Zimbabwe began as a unit within the English Department in 1984 with Dr. Robert McLaren taking major drama courses. Dr Kiman Gecau, Dr. Thompson Tsodzo and Dr. Vimbayi Chivaura helped in structuring the unit into a department. The unit became a fully-fledged department in 1993 and began to offer undergraduate degrees by the end of 1994. Its first chairperson was Dr. Robert McLaren who was superseded by Dr. Fani-K Omoregie in 1995 and then Dr. Vimbayi Chivaura, Mr Musaemura B. Zimunya (both from the English Department) and Dr. Owen Seda. Its current chairman is Mr Nehemiah Chivandikwa. In 1995 the Department of Theatre Arts began to offer BA fourth year honours degrees. In 1996 the Department also began to take straight honours students (those who excel in their first year and are promoted to second year honours) and has been doing so ever since.  The Department also offers research degrees at M. Phil and D. Phil levels. Since 1994 the Department has produced five M. Phil graduates and two PhD scholars. As of 2013 we have five M. Phil and four D. Phil candidates. A taught MA in Theatre and Performance in the areas of Applied Drama and Theatre as well as Theatre Making and Practice has been approved by the university. For a long time, the Department had no taught masters and relied on sending fellows to South Africa and the USA for staff development. The fruit of this endeavour is the celebrated director, Samuel Ravengai, who is currently the only PhD holder in theatre and performance resident in the country.

Apart from training, the department also produces plays collaboratively with other universities or arts/media organisations. Such collaborative works have been done with the University of Calypoly (Pomona) in 2003-2004 in a project called Bus Stop Journals. The Department has worked collaboratively with Africa University. Dr. Seda was the chief organiser of the university’s annual arts festival. Here, the Department sends a production annually. In each given cultural year, the department also sends a production to the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA). Annually HIFA engages our students in the area of set design, lights rigging, media and communication where they will help in writing critical reviews of productions in daily newsletters produced by HIFA. While our students gain the necessary experience, they will also be gaining credits for their degrees. The Department has done consultancy research and productions with Amani Trust, CARE International, USA Public Affairs and Centre for Women and Law.

Theatre Arts Department

Creative Skills! Your passport to wealth and leadership!

Vision

The department aims to help confirm the status of Performing Arts as an important social and economic force in African culture.

Mission

The University of Zimbabwe’s Theatre Arts Department’s mandate is to serve the nation and world at large. It is our mission to produce a wholesome student with both theatre performing and administrative capabilities which reflect the highest standards of excellence and diversity indicative of the world in which we live.

Objectives

·         To increase opportunities for all people to participate and understand the arts

·         To maintain a sense of identity and pride through the creative industry

·         To share the highest achievements of every culture and find a universal language which permits communication among all people

·         To develop and encourage national and outreach programmes

Department contact details

Theatre Arts Department

Old Arts Building, 2^nd Floor

PO Box MP 167

Mt Pleasant

Harare

Email address: theatre@arts.uz.ac.zw

Landline +263 (4) 303211/15 extension 14131

Academic Staff

Mr Nehemiah Chivandikwa 

Senior Lecturer and Head of Department,

M. Phil Theatre Arts (UZ), BA Hons IV Theatre Arts (UZ), BA (UZ)

Course Convenor: Applied Theatre.

Teaches across a range of theory and practical courses covering 20^th Century Theatre Innovators, Applied Drama, Theatre Making and Acting

Dr Samuel Ravengai

Lecturer and Course Convenor (Theatre Studies, Theatre Innovation, Directing)   

PhD Drama (UCT), MA Theatre and Performance (UCT), BA Hons IV Theatre Arts (UZ), BA (UZ).

He teaches across a range of theory and practical courses covering Acting, 20^th Century Theatre Innovation, Directing, Text, Performance and Communication. He has directed a portfolio of theatre and television productions that have been showcased nationally and internationally. As part of social responsiveness he was the Story Consultant and Associate Director of the popular soap opera Studio 263 between 2004 and 2006.

Mr Kelvin Chikonzo

Lecturer and Course Convenor (Dance, Film)           

M. Phil Film Studies (UZ), BA Hons Theatre Arts (UZ)

Teaches across a range of theory and practical courses covering Film and Media, Theatre and Society, and Dance

Mr Kudakwashe Shane Sambo

Lecturer and Course Convenor (Stagecraft)

M. Phil Theatre Arts (UZ), BA Hons Theatre Arts (UZ)

Teaches History of Theatre, Stagecraft and 20^th Century Theatre Innovators

Mr Ngonidzashe Muwonwa

Lecturer and Course Convenor (African Theatre/Performance)

 M. Phil Film and Television (UZ) BA Hons (UZ)

Teaches across a range of theory courses covering African Theatre, Theatre Criticism/ Performance Analysis. He was the Head Writer at the popular soap opera, Studio 263 from the mid 2000s.

Administrative Support Staff

Mrs Maria Paratema,

Secretary

Ms Topsey B Nyakurimwa

Administrative Assistant

Technician

(Vacant)

Contract Academic Staff

Ms Mhako Doricah

Teaching Assistant

 BA Hons Theatre Arts (UZ)

Teaches Theatre in Zimbabwe, Scriptwriting, Introduction to Acting & Performance

Was Associate Writer at Zimbabwe’s popular soap opera, Studio 263 from the mid 2000s

Mrs Florence Majachani

Part-time Lecturer,

MA (Wits), BA Hons (UZ)

Teaches Arts Administration, Heritage and Cultural Management

Mr Tatenda Mangosho

Teaching Assistant,

BA Hons Theatre Arts (UZ)    

Teaches Design for Dance and Applied Acting. He has wide experience in high schools drama, directing high school theatre productions, several of which were nominated for the AFDIS competition.  Mangosho has been actively involved in theatre/performance, with his efforts resulting in a NAMA nomination for one of the many productions he has been involved in.

Mr Peace Mukwara

Teaching Assistant,

BA Hons Theatre Arts (UZ)

Teaches Design for Dance and Applied Acting. His interest is in acting and has performed in not less than five stage and film productions since he graduated. His research interest is in Zimbabwean video films. As part of social responsiveness, he has been involved in coordinating festivals and even taking one production to the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA)

Programmes offered

The Department of Theatre Arts offers courses to students undertaking the following degree programmes:

Bachelors Degree

Bachelor of Arts degree (BA)

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Theatre Arts (HTHA III)

Bachelor of Arts Special Honours in Theatre Arts (HTHA IV)

Postgraduate Degree by Coursework

The department offers the MA in Theatre and Performance with two orientations:

MA in Theatre Making and Performance (MTMP)

MA in Applied Theatre and Performance (MATP)

Postgraduate Degree by Research

Master of Philosophy in Theatre Arts (M. Phil) in Theatre Arts

Doctor of Philosophy degree by research (D. Phil) in Theatre Arts

List of Theatre productions since 1982 (provide link)

Year	Production	Director
2012	Qapela Merman (Deconstruction – W.Magwa’s Njuzu)	Samuel Ravengai (3, 4 Dec. Staged by BA Hons II)
	BA Hons II Contemporary dance and BA I traditional dance	Choreographer, Kelvin Chikonzo (30 Nov. 6.30pm)
	A Raisin in the Sun (Lorraine Hansberry)	Produced by Almasi Collaborative Arts & directed Patience Tawengwa with Julia Wharton as Co-director and dramaturg  (Staged reading with UZ Theatre Arts students), 30 Nov, 2pm.
	The Zimbabwean Blues (Bekezela Dube)	Bekezela Dube (28 Nov)
	The Coup (Stanley Makuwe)	Daves Guzha (Rooftop Promotions, 19 Nov)
	Wusiku (Stanley Makuwe)	Charles Matare (26 Oct)
	Alcatraz (Nikki Hwindiri)	Nikki Hwindiri (20 Oct)
	Miss Julie (August Strindberg)	Global Arts/Complete Arts Projects Innocent Mwapangira/Peter Churu (19 Oct)
	Comrades (August Strindberg)	Patience Tawengwa (12 Oct)
	Remorse (Churchill High School)	Gideon Wabvuta (10 Oct)
	My Father is a Goat (Mutasa)	Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi (5 Oct)
	Maidei: The Woman of Manhood Doc Vikela: Stand up Comedian Churchill Jazz Band	Princess Sibanda (22 September)
	Tirivangani (Noel Marerwa	Samuel Ravengai (26, 27, 28 Sept, 02 October. Staged by Hopley Farm Thespians
2011	Macbeth: Oracle of the Weird Sisters (adapted from William Shakespeare	Innocent Mwapangira (30 Nov). BA Hons II. 6.00pm
	Nyaradzo: The Spirit of Nehanda (Adapted from Lysistrata)	Innocent Mwapangira (17 June, 23 Sept)
	In the Continuum (Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter)	Co-directed by Danai Gurira and Patience Tawengwa, (28 Nov, 1300hrs)
2010	Nyachide (BA I workshop)	Innocent Mwapangira (15 June)
	The Government Inspector (Nikolai Gogol)	Innocent Mwapangira (7 Dec 2010)
	Author’s Voice (Richard Greenberg)	Innocent Mwapangira (24 March)
	Dilemma of a Ghost (Ama Ata Aidoo)	Innocent Mwapangira (22-24 March)
2009	The Advocacy (BA I workshop)	Innocent Mwapangira (9 Dec 2009)
2008	Painful Passions (BA I workshop)	Innocent Mwapangira (10 July)
2007	Anatol (Schnitzler)	Samuel Ravengai (BA Hons II Acting Students)
	Decades of Terror (Maposa)	Samuel Ravengai
	Upcoming Playwright’s Interview (Muzondo)	Samuel Ravengai (April)
	If...A Tragedy of the Ruled (Ola Rotimi)	Owen Seda (July) BA II class.
2006	The Good Woman of Sechuan (Bertolt Brecht)	Gudula Muller-Towe, BA Hons II
	Bus Stop Journals (Owen Seda)	Co-Directed Nehemiah Chivandikwa, Owen Seda (21 April)
	Ghetto Superstars Bekithemba Ntini	Choreographed and Directed By Bekhitemba Ntini (21 April)
2005	The Coloured Museum (George C Wolfe	BA Hons III and IV. Directed By Joy Wrolson, 13-14 April. 6.30pm
	Master Pierre Pathelin (Anonymous)	Owen Seda (April) BA II Class Production
	Bus Stop Journals (Owen Seda)	Owen Seda (September)
	Muramu (Chifunyise)	Samuel Ravengai (April), Savannah Arts cast.
	The Lion and the Jewel (Soyinka)	Samuel Ravengai, BA Hons II students
	Conquered Plans (George Nyamuzinga)	Stanley Mambo (21 July 2005)
2004	The Sisterhood (Eresina Hwede)	Producer, Elton Mujanana, Director: Walter Muparutsa. 6 & 7 October, 7.15pm.
	uNosilimela (Credo Mutwa)	Owen Seda BA II (June)
	Antigone (Jean Anouilh)	Samuel Ravengai (19-21 May) BA Hons III
	One for the Road (Harold Pinter)	Samuel Ravengai (27-28 May) BA Hons II
	Waiting for Godot (Samuel Becket)	Samuel Ravengai
2003	The Mwambene Play (FK Omoregie)	Owen Seda (June) Staged by BA II.
	Sons and Daughters (J.C de Graft)	Owen Seda. BA II (June)
	The Dilemma of a Ghost (Ama Ata Aidoo)	Samuel Ravengai BA Hons III, 14-15 July at 6pm and 14: 15 respectively.
	Death of a Salesman (Arthur Miller)	Samuel Ravengai BA Hons II
2002	Holding Talks (Ola Rotimi)	Owen Seda (13 April). Staged at the Faculty of Arts Research Day
	The Government Inspector (Nikolai Gogol)	Owen Seda. (May) BA Hons II Class production
	No Good Friday (Athol Fugard)	Owen Seda BA Hons III & IV class production (April)
	Tinoendepi? (Shona, unpublished)UZ Theatre Arts Students.	O. Seda, E Dhlamini, N. Chivandikwa. (February)
2001	Joe Turner’s Come And Gone (A. Wilson)	Owen Seda (February 2001) Staged by  BA Hons III
	Tinoendepi? (Shona, unpublished)UZ Theatre Arts students	O. Seda, E Dhlamini, N. Chivandikwa. (October)
1999	Holding Talks (Ola Rotimi)	Owen Seda. Play Productions Theatre Company (March)
	Jekanyika (adapted from a Shona novel Jekanyika, Francis C. Mugugu)	Farai Wonderful Bere (New Angle Cultural Productions), 2-6 March, 7pm.
1997	The Mwambene Play (unpublished-FK Omoregie)	F-K Omoregie/Owen Seda (July). Staged by Play Productions Theatre Company, a UZ based group
1996	Zviri Pakati Pavo (Shona/Ndebele unpublished/Workshopped-PD I	Owen Seda (October)
	Masvanhikongonya (Shona, unpublished/Workshopped PD I	Owen Seda (October)
	When Madhuku Came Back (unpublished, Workshopped) BA Hons IV	Owen Seda and FK Omoregie (May)
	Foreign Affairs (unpublished FK Omoregie) BA Hons IV.	F-K Omoregie/Owen Seda (September 1996)
	Who Is Afraid of Nzarayebani? (unpublished, FK Omoregie.	F-K Omoregie (July)- Faculty of Arts Major production. Owen Seda played Nzarayebani, the lead role.
	Shingirirai (unpublished)FK Omoregie BA Hons IV	F-K Omoregie/ Owen Seda (October)
1995	Hopes of the Living Dead (Ola Rotimi) BA II and Hons IV.	FK Omoregie/Owen Seda (September)
1994	Chembere Masikati (Shona/Ndebele-unpublished/Workshopped Practical Drama I	Owen Seda (October)
	Pasi Rapinduka (Shona, unpublished/Workshopped BA Theatre I	Owen Seda (October)
	The Strong Breed (Wole Soyinka) (Departmental production)	Owen Seda and FK Omoregie (July)
	Nyika Yake/Ilizwe Lakhe (BA III workshop)	Robert McLaren
	Waiting for Lefty (Odet)	Robert McLaren
1993	Will These Walls Stand? (unpublished/Workshopped BA Theatre I	Owen Seda (October)
	Midnight Hotel (Femi Osofisani)	FK Omoregie/Owen Seda (July)
	Simuka Zimbabwe/Arise Zimbabwe (Zambuko/Izibuko)	Robert McLaren
	Nhamoinesu (Shona, unpublished/Workshopped)	Robert McLaren/Owen Seda (May)
	Ndakatamba Nematope (Shona, unpublished)	Robert McLaren/Owen Seda (May)
	Siyaphi/Tiri Kuendepi? (Shona & Ndebele, unpublished/Workshopped	Owen Seda (October)
1992	The Darkness of Our Light (BA I Workshop)	Robert McLaren
	Tsinzinyai Titadze (Shona) Practical Drama I class	Robert McLaren/Owen Seda (September)
	Women and marital rape PDII	30 October, 1 pm
1990	Credit to the Family (Daniel Pearce)	BA English Gen II Students (26 September, 7pm)
	Poetry Performance by various members of Budding Writers Association of Zimbabwe	Official launching of BWAZ, 30 June 1990
	Devil on the Cross (adapted from Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s novel)	Ngugi wa Mirii & ZACT at 4pm during the launch of BWAZ on 30 June 1990
	Mandela, The Spirit of no Surrender	Zambuko/Izibuko & Rob McLaren
1989	Manqoba, Joyce Sikakane & Black Fist by Lingesabi Bo (Anti-Apartheid plays), 2 play from Bulawayo	Iluba Elimnyama 23 March 7.30.
1988	Watch Me Fly	Robert McLaren
	Samora Continua	Robert McLaren, Zambuko/Izibuko, 13 October, 7.30pm.
	The Contest (Rugyendo)	Munashe Mashiri and Godfrey Muyambo, 21-23 & 27-28 July, 7.30pm. 23  July at 2.00pm for schools
	The Wretched Ones (Mujajati)	Godfrey Muyambo & Dumisani Hwacha
	Chokwadi Ndechipi/ Iqiniso Yiliphi	Robert McLaren BA ALL Students, 29-30 Sept, 1, 4-5 October, 7.30pm. Oct 1 at 2.30pm.
	Egoli (Manaka)	Drama Students, Wednesday, 17 August, by public demand, played by  Bekezela  Ndlovu & Dumisani Tsheza, 7.30pm
1987	Kremlin Chimes (Pogodin)	Robert McLaren, March 17-18. 7.30pm. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the great October Revolution
	Katshaa! (BA and Zambuko Workshop)	Robert Mclaren
	The Good Person of Gondokoro (adapted from Brecht)	Robert McLaren, 14-16 May & 19-20 .7.30pm
	Ndiwo Hupenyu Here/Yiyo Impilo Na?	Robert McLaren 13-15 & 18-19 August, 7.30pm, BA ALL Students.
	Workshop Negative (Cont Mhlanga)	Amakhosi/Cont Mhlanga, Friday 20 March. 7.30pm at the New Lecture Theatre 400.
	A 20th Century Macbeth (adapted from William Shakespeare)	Robert McLaren, July 1987
1986	Antigone	Robert McLaren
	Ndicharoora Kana Ndoda (I Will Marry when I want	Robert McLaren
	A Woman of Courage (Chifunyise	Robert McLaren, 20-22 May. 7.30 pm, Department of English Students. 21-22 May 1pm.
	Not for Sale (Chifunyise)	Robert McLaren, 20-22 May. 7.30 and 1pm 21-22May. BA English students
1985	The Mourned One (adaptation Samkange)	Robert McLaren
	Mavambo (adapted from Katiyo’s A Son of the Soil)	UZ Drama Club. 2-3 & 4 and 11 May. 7.30pm
	The Adamant Eve (adapted from Wollstonecraft)	Robert McLaren, July. BA English Honours Students
	Seri Kwesasa/Okusemsamo	Robert McLaren
	Fusani’s Trial (Alfred Hutchinson)	Robert McLaren
1984	Mavambo (BA Workshop)	Robert McLaren
1983	The Honourable MP ( Gonzo Musengezi)	UZ Drama Society
1982	Vakasiiwa Pachena (1982 UZ Arts Festival)	Juliet Chikanza