The annual Easter Theatre Festival is back on March 31 with a few additions, such as dance and poetry. At least eight drama groups are set to take part during the three-day feast.

Lead organiser of the festival Arthur Matukuta said they have decided to incorporate dance and poetry to add colour to the event.

Ching’aning’ani in action last year

“The preparations have been going on well with a few minor challenges. We have done our part to bring the festival and platform to local artists. We have also partnered with others,” he said.

Matukuta said participating acts showed interest and applied to take part unlike in the past when the organisers would approach them.

“We want to make sure that only those groups that are interested in the festival take part and are committed. Every year, we are learning on how to improve the festival and do better,” he said.

Matukuta said the festival is a people’s festival meant to provide family entertainment and stage drama celebration.

He said: “Artists and the audience will interact and enjoy theatre during Easter. People should patronise the festival because it is growing and has various activities for everyone. We will also have workshops open for all.”

Matukuta said locally, they have partnered with Maison de la France and World Star Betting, but are still looking for more partners.

One of the participants, Yona Mlakatuli said he is ready for the festival and is rehearsing for the event.

He said: “Every poet has got a unique delivery style. For me, I fuse an element of drama which helps in capturing the attention of the audience during my performance. Not only that, the drama spices up my poetry performances and adds beauty to the performance.”

Mlakatuli added that he aims to give the audience nothing, but the best stage poetry performance during the festival.

On his part, Young Travellers Theatre leader Imraan Shabaan said they are geared to use the platform to showcase their talent.

“We have a new play titled Mzazi Hopes which was written by Smith Likongwe, a veteran writer and drama lecturer from the University of Malawi. We will not disappoint our fans,” he said.

Participating groups include Ching’aning’ani ndi Sasoka, Dikamawoko, Jacaranda Cultural Troupe, Young Travellers, Chichiri Prison Cultural Troupe, Yona Mlakatuli, Yereva State Puppet Theatre (Armenia), Solomonic Peacock Theatre, Native Eye Arts (South Africa), Siegmar Schroder (Germany), St Andrews High School and Kwathu Drama Group.

The festival will run from March 31 to April 2 2023.

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