ON August 19, Almasi Collaborative Arts, a Zimbabwean American Dramatic Arts collaborative organisation based in Harare, presented a staged reading of 'Her Portmanteau' a play by Nigerian-American playwright Mfoniso Udofia.
The event took place at the Pavilion within the Zimbabwe German Society (ZGS) premises and was met with an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The staged reading, a directorial debut for talented actor and emerging theatre director Munashe Goromonzi, featured a mix of new and experienced actors. Like its predecessor ‘The Homecoming Queen’, the play delves into the intricate interplay of Nigerian traditions and the realities of American life, as a family is reunited after a long separation.
Decades after Abasiama Ufot played by Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, first immigrated to America, the full impact of her decision to send away her daughter erupts when Abasiama’s family is reunited. Through the clash of cultures, language, and time, 'Her Portmanteau' explores the complexities of family bonds, migration, and the search for identity.
The play, which is approximately 90 minutes long features the cast of Min'enhle Mguni (Adiaha Ufot), Munya Guramatunhu (Iniabasi Ekpeyong), and Mitchell Kudzai Duma who played the role of disciple and also read the stage directions.
The play garnered an overwhelmingly good response from guests who expressed their comments on the performance, with some describing the reading as "very interesting and visual," praising the cast's performance, as it resonated deeply with its themes.
Adler Mbofana appreciated the use of a different language in the play, expressing how it made the dialogue feel authentic and immersive. Others like Matidaishe Chiimba commented on the play's ability to show that even in challenging situations, a connection to one's roots remains.
“The play was well directed, and the actors were able to take me on an emotional journey,” said Takudzwa Ndangana.
The staged reading of 'Her Portmanteau' is part of Almasi Collaborative Arts' ongoing efforts to introduce Zimbabwean audiences to works by African writers in the diaspora. The organisation aims to promote dramatic literacy within the community by organising staged readings.
According to Almasi, a crucial aspect of creating powerful plays is understanding and analysing excellent dramatic works from the past.
The organisation is concerned that without this awareness, Zimbabwean drama artistes might struggle to develop the level of dramatic literacy necessary for creating compelling and well-structured works.
Almasi Collaborative Arts is dedicated to nurturing new Zimbabwean works that can achieve global recognition, thereby leaving behind a lasting dramatic literature legacy.