17 groups in Theatre Renaissance Cabaret

The second edition of the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret (TRC) Festival is scheduled for July 31 to August 2 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe where 17 theatre groups, including international and local stage productions set to perform. The festival line-up will feature companies from 11 countries, among them Brazil, Germany, Kenya, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Festival executive and creative director Stanley Mambo said organisers are preparing a unique experience for theatre enthusiasts as the festival will feature skills workshops.

“We are gearing up for another lifetime theatre gathering. We have booked a unique blend of theatre plays and workshops from independent creative voices with incredible talent,” he said. He said: “Theatre carries our heritage and essential messages.

It is a reliable and safe form of entertainment and a tool for positive social dialogue and reflection. “The festival creates a platform for artists to exchange cultures and experiences through performances, workshop forums and exhibitions.” This year’s highlights include productions such as Woza Albert by Ndlondlo Theatre from South Africa, alongside performances from Brazil’s Territerio Sirius and Tunisia’s Le Theatre Unifie. Other acts include Theatre D’azur from La Reunion, Inkaba Productions of South Africa, Purple Brain from Zimbabwe, Zambezi Art Education of Zambia and Little but Fierce from the United Kingdom.

[paywall]

Local participation will feature groups such as Mwezi Arts, Tamba Africa Malawi and youth ensemble Raise The Level Arts, who are expected to showcase their recently premiered play. “Last year we hosted more than 60 foreign artists, half of them were from Europe and Asia; thus, they paid visa fees, all artists [including Africans] got air tickets, we hired transport and accommodation, catering and hosted stalls by local artists and small scale businesses,” said Musochera. Beyond performances, the TRC Fringe Fest will take theatre to communities including Msundwe in Lilongwe, Mponela in Dowa and selected schools in Lilongwe as well as correctional facilities.

[/paywall]