The theatre fraternity is mourning the death of one of its actors Thlupego Chisiza who passed on Sunday morning after a sudden illness.

In an interview, his brother Tiwonge Chisiza said Thlupego was taken ill and was diagnosed with diabetes.

Was a talented stage actor: Thlupego

“He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and was due to go to the hospital this morning [Sunday] but as fate would have it, he collapsed and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital,” he said.

Tiwonge said at the time of his death, they were working on a movie titled Belinda under their joint theatre company Remnants Lions Theatre.

Reacting to the news, fellow actor and Solomonic Peacock director MacArthur Matukuta said Thlupego was talented, adding that his talent was unique as he was not trained in school.

“His talent was inborn. He was not trained for drama and acting, but his skills were top notch. He was very creative and would always bring out the best in himself and others,” he said.

Matukuta said what was interesting was that though the late Thlupego never acted alongside his late father Du Chisiza Junior, he exhibited extraordinary talent just like his legendary father.

Actor Misheck Mzumara, who acted several times alongside Thlupego, said he was saddened with the news of his colleague’s death.

He said: “Thlupego Chisiza was one of Malawi’s most exceptional performers. It is disheartening.”

On her part, actress Angella Ching’amba Bupe described Chisiza as a very talented actor.

“Thank you for the moments we shared on stage. The last two productions were An African Dream and Juliet. This is heartbreaking,” she said.

Thlupego Chisiza’s remains will be buried at HHI Cemetery in Blantyre today.

Thlupego is son to legendary stage actor and playwright Du Chisiza Junior who died on February 24 1999 at the age of 39.

The post Theatre fraternity mourns Thlupego Chisiza first appeared on The Nation Online.