Zimpapers Logo

Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
COMING from the coal-mining town of Hwange, the production team of Secret of the Siren literally transported their hottest weather conditions to Bulawayo as they put up a top drawer performance at the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo last Wednesday.

The one-person play was given a standing ovation by the audience.

The play premiered two weeks ago at Hwange Little.

Secret of the Siren is directed by seasoned theatre practitioners, Nelson Mapako and Mildred Nkomo of Vulindlela Theatre Company in Hwange.

Speaking after the showcase, Mapako said the impressive performance at the festival has given them the zeal to push more for a national tour.

“Nkomo received a deserved ovation as she flawlessly went through her paces. Her narration was good and kept the audience glued to their seats for the entire 55 minutes duration of the play.

“The play uses multimedia, narration and puppetry. Secret of the Siren is a must watch show. The story is full of suspense and a jaw dropping surprise,” said Mapako.

The play highlights the dangers of keeping secrets in marriages and seeks to encourage families to remain united even when trouble knocks on the door.

“I am humbled by the response from the audience as well as the feedback from my colleagues from the creative sector. I am also thankful to the collaboration team that includes Michael Kanyika, Bornface Siduli, the Nhananga brothers Munyaradzi Napoleon and Takudzwa Allen for the visual art paintings and Willy Gates who did the music and sound effects.

“We express gratitude to Hwange Colliery Company for all the rendered support. I am grateful for the ANT Adaptation Fund grant from Pro Helvetia Johannesburg financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) which has made this project a reality,” said Mapako.

Mapako said they will release dates of the tour as they are in the preparatory stage.
— @mthabisi_mthire