Mangaliso Kabulika
ZIMBABWE Theatre Association (ZTA) chairperson Getrude Munhamo-Pfumayaramba is representing the country at the ‘Cradle Of Creativity’ festival set for Johannesburg, South Africa.
The festival seeks to establish a lasting legacy of inclusivity, innovation and opportunities.
“It is a festival for children and young audiences by Assitej International called the ‘Cradle of Creativity’ running under the theme, ‘Stories That Move Us,’” she said.
“I spoke to different theatre stakeholders and also the director for Assitej in South Africa, Yvette Hardie, about tools of engagement and resources to empower children and younger audiences.
“I am learning so much from the diverse community of participants from marginalised communities.
“The opening night was spectacular in the way children brought the stage alive through dance, song and poetry performances.”
The event was also graced by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in South Africa, Nocawe Noncedo Mafu, spoke of the power of the voice of a child,” she said.
The festival started on August 19 and will end on August 28.
“As the festival continues we are having workshops, trainings and roundtable talks to give and take from the different experts attending this festival.
“Some of the deliberations are to allow ourselves, as older people, to be vulnerable and let the child in us engage more with the environment and audience we are targeting so as to give an honest truthful perspective and show what is relevant to them,” said Munhamo-Pfumayaramba.
Cradle of Creativity was also graced by South African actors.
“I had a chance to interact with Kgomotso Christopher, Mncedisi Tshabangu and Atandwa Kani,” she said.
“Personally, as a playwright and performer, I would like to explore creative writing and performance for a younger audience.”