After winning hearts the television platform, producers of the popular Mdyangu comedy series have announced the transitioning of the production to the stage.

Producer of the series Flora Suya says the development follows continued requests from followers to make it a live stage production.

Chiphwanya (L) and Sasoka on set

The Mdyangu series have become a hit largely owing to the precise execution of the outrageous and intriguing funny storyline.Suya and her team are now faced with the uphill task of transferring the production’s spark in the box to the stage.

In an interview with The Nation, she said although it will not be an easy ride, people should be assured of the production not losing anything in terms of quality and execution.

“The stage is more intimate and more real than the TV.

“The stage allows the audience to interact with the actors and become part of the production. Theatre cannot and will never be replaced by television,” Suya said.

The actress-cum-producer also revealed that in terms of revenue, the stage offers a superior potential than television. She could not be drawn to disclose how much the series earn through TV.

“Mdyangu has a huge audience already so I am confident people will support us and we will manage to sustain the performances. What kills drama is lack of support from the audience,”said Suya.

She said the stage productions will be packaged in different storylines to suit a 12-member cast. She estimates each production will cost K1.5 million to stage and the first cheduled for September in Blantyre.

The producer said right now they have embarked on a fundraising initiative which includes street performances in Blantyre, Zomba, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

One of the leading characters Madalitso Kamwendo who, stars as Sasoka in the series, said it is a challenge they relish.

He said: “Most of the actors on the series owe their background to stage acting. Television acting is something we have just been taught now. Backed by a live audience should be another factor to lift us even higher.

Kamwendo said the live performances will also offer a unique opportunity to meet their followers.

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