Alliance Francaise amplifies support for local arts

EUROPEAN UNION-SUPPORTED Alliance Francaise is promoting in a big way the local arts industry through events and workshops to uplift the sector.

Last year, Harare and Bulawayo benefited from Alliance Francaise programmes comprising 90 events involving almost four different activities and workshops a week.

One of the senior administrators at Alliance Francaise Bulawayo office, Guillaume Ripoud told the media last week that this year they will broaden their events.

Ripoud made the remarks to journalists on the sidelines of A Concert with Mahlaba held in Suburbs on Friday night in Bulawayo.

“This year we will do more and carry on all ranges of events. Last year this time we had Dance with Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble. It went to France and Italy, it was amazing for everyone to travel to Europe,” he said.

“Now we are going to theatre, literature, fine art, visual art and exhibitions. We can only do so much because of budget limitations of course, but we really want to be able to showcase more artistes.”

Ripoud said in March they were bringing three Burkina Faso singers (sisters) based in France to perform in Harare and Bulawayo.

They will share the stage with some local artistes as part of the high-level cultural exchange.

“It is very expensive to bring someone from outside the country because you have to book planes, accommodation and (pay) taxes, but we try to reach at least one or two a year,” he said.

The notable attendees at A Concert with Mahlaba were Dudu Sibanda and Zanele Manhenga of Nobuntu who just returned from their United States tour, Jays Marabini, MJ Sings and actress Lady Tshawe.