BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE – Bulawayo based performing arts group, Isithende Arts has clinched a deal with a Swaziland based promoter who will market the group’s latest historical educational play, Tales From The African Calabash.

The director of the group, Mhlupeki Nkomo, is in Swaziland and is expected back in the country in February.

He is working on the marketing strategies with the promoter. Nkomo’s wife, Tholakele Nkomo said the group recorded the play on DVD late last year.

“Isithende recorded their play on DVD and Nkomo is in Swaziland for a meeting with the group’s promoter who has pledged to assist the group in marketing their play. We are expecting him back in the country in February and hopefully the play will be showcased in all the country’s provinces and even beyond,” she said.

Ever since the group finished working on the play last year, it intended to showcase it in all the country’s 10 provinces, but it failed to do so due to lack of funding.

“The play is educational and the group intended to take it on a tour around the country but failed to do so due to lack of funds,” said Mrs Nkomo.

The play aims to enlighten young people on events that transpired between Tshaka, the Zulu King and Mzilikazi. It has true historical facts, events and places.

In the play, Zwide kills Matshobane, Mzilikazi’s father. Tshaka then takes responsibility for fathering Mzilikazi who grows up to be a brave man like his father who was the king of the Khumalo.

The play also traces the historical facts that led to the disagreement between Mzilikazi and Tshaka. It also depicts a society that had strong cultural beliefs.

The play, which also has great Zulu dances, is very important especially to school children.
There is a Zulu dance called Indlamu, which is a dance that was performed at social gatherings and Isitshikitsha dances which were performed at Ndebele functions like the Inxwala festivals.

The arts group was formed in 2002. It consists of 20 members 12 males and eight females.

Source: Chronicle