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The Taking

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
THE forthcoming 2016 National Arts Merit Awards have proven that Raisedon Baya’s play, The Taking, is a good production as it received the most nominations together with a Harare production – Chimbwido, the Girl of War.

Produced last year, The Taking, which features Bulawayo actors Zenzo Nyathi, Aleck Zulu, Musawenkosi Sibanda and Gift Chakuvinga, touches on issues about freedom of speech and creativity.

With two of its actors – Sibanda and Chakuvinga – nominated at this year’s Nama, the play itself was shortlisted as one of the country’s most outstanding theatre productions. The play’s director, Memory Kumbota, was also nominated for her efforts as outstanding director.

Those nominated believe just the nomination itself is a win, adding that they were glad their hard work had paid off. Twenty-two-year-old Sibanda, a fast-rising actress who resides in Nkulumane 12 suburb, said she was confident she would win the Nama. The Taking is her first major role in theatre.

“I’m ecstatic that I’ve been nominated especially considering that I’m still new in this business. I believe my chances of winning are very high as I was mentored by the best – veterans such as Zenzo Nyathi, Gift Chakuvinga and Memory Kumbota,” said Sibanda who plays the role of Sikhathele Ndonga.

“This nomination shows that I’m in the right direction and I’m confident it’ll open other doors for me. Winning the award will be a cherry on the top.”

Nyathi said: “The nominations are a plus for us as we worked hard on the play which people enjoyed.

This shows that we brought out the best in each other.”

The writer of the play, Baya, said it was encouraging to see that they could get the best from fusing new and old performing artistes.

“For people like Musa who’re still new in the industry, being nominated is an inspiration for others as they’ve showed them that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” Baya said.

He said being nominated was a bonus but getting an audience to watch the play was their main focus.

“To me, the nominations are a time for the performing artistes to go and wallow in the atmosphere of the ceremony. The reward is people who came to watch the play when we showcased it,” said Baya.

He said he was hopeful that his cast would impress come February 13.