Bambelela Arts on growth drive
BAMBELELA Arts Ensemble, a nonprofit making community-based theatre group, has started its 25th anniversary year by recruiting new talent.
Auditions opened last week to fill gaps left by departing members.
“The auditions we had last week come under our growth plans whereby they are not necessarily production inspired exercises but growth driven ones,” said Bambelela Arts Ensemble director Witness Tavarwisa.
“In the past two or so years the ensemble has seen its seasoned actresses hanging their boots because of marital commitments, especially the female members. Since then we had been relying on hired artistes to cover the gaps, so we have seen it befitting to undergo such an exercise,” he added.
Tavarwisa revealed that though the turnout to the auditions was low, he was impressed by the quality of candidates that came through.
“We had a low turnout on audition day, but I must say I was really impressed with the crop of artistes that turned up as they exhibited tremendous potential. Let me hasten to say that we were not only opening our doors to young ladies but also to young men with passion for the arts. Also note that we will continue working with hired artistes as this also goes a long way in creating jobs.”
Tavarwisa also reflected on the group’s impact through theatre over the past 25 years.
“Through our productions and activities we have managed not only to influence the community to identify critical issues but also challenge them to be on the driving seat in redressing the identified issues of concern through the banner of Theatre for Development.
“We have also managed to change the community’s perception of taking theatre as a form of entertainment only, to viewing it as a participatory transformational tool for change, more of an effective edutainment tool,” he said.
Over the past two decades the ensemble has featured in the Linkfest Arts, Hifa, Ibumba, Intwasa, Dzimbabwe Arts, Umthwakazi Arts, Hurungwe Arts, Inxusa Arts and Sadc Multi-Disciplinary Arts festivals, among many others.
The group also works closely with the corporate world.
Explained Tavarwisa: “The organisation’s activities vary from time to time because they are at times based on the influence and needs of the community (private, public institutions and the community at large). So mostly it can be initiatives by our clientele, which are characterised by theatre performances, dialogues and workshops, commissioned projects, training in theatre, leadership, storytelling and children’s projects.
“All these are aimed at identifying and nurturing their talents, boosting their self-esteem, confidence and instilling Ubuntu.”
Though the ensemble has stood the test of time, it has had its fair share of challenges.
“In the past 25 years one of the major challenges we have faced is a lack of effective arts or cultural polices, which has resulted in a lot of fly-by-night entities that are killing the industry with substandard products. Another aspect, which is obviously affecting the entire sector is the prevailing harsh economic situation,” said Tavarwisa.
On how they planned to celebrate their Silver Jubilee he said, “We are going to have many events lined up in and around Bulawayo, culminating into a big event earmarked for December.
“What I can also tell you is that we have engaged two prolific writers whom we are working with on two amazing productions, which we shall be staging later in the year.”
Bambelela Arts Ensemble is made up young people representing a broad range of groups and interests, who have worked together in a broad alliance concerning their common interest in community development and other related matters.
The ensemble was established in Matshobana, Bulawayo in June 1992.