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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

AS the month-long annual Deaf Awareness commemorations begin, Deaf Arts National Culture Entertainment (Dance), is set to take centre stage with its fourth performance in Bulawayo and the sixth across Zimbabwe.

Today at 10am, Dance will present its acclaimed sign language stage production, The Missing Bridge, at the Gweru Theatre, followed by another powerful performance at Amakhosi Township Square in Bulawayo on Friday.

Through compelling storytelling and impactful performances, The Missing Bridge addresses critical issues such as the shortage of interpreters, highlighting the profound consequences this has on accessibility and communication in healthcare.

Dance projects manager, Tsungirirai Tsikira highlighted the importance of this initiative.

“Our play continues to amplify its powerful message of awareness and advocacy for the challenges faced by the Deaf community within healthcare settings,” Tsikira said.

“With each performance, we demonstrate an unwavering commitment to fostering empathy and understanding for deaf individuals’ experiences,” Tsikira added.

Recent engagements at notable events like the Shangano Arts Festival in Hwange, along with heartfelt receptions in Beitbridge and Bulawayo, have underscored the significance of this ongoing dialogue.

“We are thrilled to see the impact that The Missing Bridge is having as we tour Zimbabwe. Our journey has been one of growth and impact and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing these important stories with audiences across the country,” Tsikira said.

The upcoming performances will coincide with the launch of Deaf Awareness Month, supported by the Culture Fund’s CreativeActions2 and the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe. 

This initiative is part of Dance’s broader thematic project, Celebrating Deaf Culture: A Theatrical Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment, which reaffirms its commitment to provoking thought and inspiring action towards a more inclusive society.

As Dance prepares to take  The Missing Bridge to the road, the hope is that these performances will not only entertain but  also educate and inspire audiences to become advocates for the deaf community.— @MbuleloMpofu