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 Robert McLaren who was superseded by Dr.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, 2nd Floor
PO Box MP 167
Mt Pleasant
Harare
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 20th
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, 20th 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 20th 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
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
|