Danai Gurira, Executive Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts, is presenting a production of ‘Family Riots’ by Gideon Jeph Wabvuta.
The unique and groundbreaking production will premiere between November 15 and 24, 2024, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, at a ticket price of $10 per audience member.
Directed by US Visiting Artist Lucie Tiberghien and Zimbabwean Director Makomborero Theresa Muchemwa, the production will feature the talents of Zimbabwean actors.
Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, is a talented alumnus of Almasi’s programs, who through Almasi’s Walter Mparutsa Fellowship matriculated with a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Writing at University of Southern California.
His acclaimed play, “Family Riots”, earned a distinguished mention for the Rosa Parks and Kennedy Centre in 2019 and was showcased at the New Works Two Festival at USC in Southern California.
Family Riots is a play that explores the ambitions, aspirations and unresolved wounds of a young family in Mbare.
It follows the conflicts of family relationships in Zimbabwe during the late 1990s. The play delves into the lives of Sidney and Primrose, a couple whose once-idyllic life unravels due to financial strain and personal secrets.
It offers a provoking interrogation on the human condition in a rapidly changing society. The play taps into the nostalgia of everyday Zimbabwean life in that era, blending reflection with a deep sense of familiarity for those who lived through it.
“Family Riots” could be categorized as a new Zimbabwean August Wilson play entering us into a bold era of Zimbabwean storytelling.
Directing the production is the dynamic duo made up of decorated American theatre director Lucie Tiberghien and Zimbabwean Makomborero Theresa Muchemwa who has been a part of Almasi’s previous dramatic initiatives.
‘Family Riots’ attests to the uniqueness of the Almasi process in nurturing talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration towards making compelling pieces of dramatic performance.
A team of production designers, technical experts, actors and directors, many of whom have been trained through Almasi initiatives, are collaborating in the creation of this piece.
The audience is guaranteed of a resonant experience, harkening a new era of placing Zimbabwean-born narratives on the global stage.
Tickets are available at magetsi.co.zw and at the National Gallery.
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