Easter Theatre Festival brings the vibes on stage

The sound of drums, laughter and lively conversations filled the air as theatre lovers gathered at the Portuguese Club in Blantyre on Saturday for a colourful celebration of art, culture and storytelling. Bright stage lights illuminated the hall while performers rehearsed backstage, adjusting costumes and preparing for their moment on stage. The atmosphere was energetic and festive as the Easter Theatre Festival opened its doors to audiences eager to experience live theatre at its finest.

Rows of plastic chairs quickly filled as families, students and arts enthusiasts streamed into the venue. Music echoed through the compound, creating a carnival-like mood. Inside the hall, cheers erupted each time a performer stepped onto the stage, signalling the audience’s excitement and appreciation for the performing arts.

Now, in its seventh year, the festival has grown into one of Malawi’s most important cultural events, attracting both local and international performers. “This is the seventh edition. The inspiration is to continue the journey which we started in 2015.

[paywall]

We want to make sure that we have an annual international theatre festival in Malawi,” he said. “The main message is that people should to come out and express themselves. Theatre is the best tool to share stories and give a voice to the voiceless,” he said.

Throughout the day, the audience was treated to a variety of performances that combined drama, dance and music. One of the artists who energised the crowd was Agorosso, whose lively performance drew cheers and applause from spectators. Another performance that attracted significant attention was staged by the Women in Theatre group.

The production addressed social issues affecting communities and highlighted the resilience and strength of women in society. Silence engulfed the hall as actors delivered emotional lines that resonated deeply with the audience. The festival also featured performances that explored movement and emotion through dance.

Ballet dancer and choreographer Zaheera Mussah, also known as Lunar, presented a unique dance performance titled Katharsis Tonthola, which focused on improvisation and emotional expression. As soft music played in the background, Mussah moved gracefully across the stage, allowing her emotions to guide her movements. The audience watched attentively, captivated by the energy and creativity of the performance.

“We are improvising and expressing ourselves through movement. Dance allows people to communicate emotions without words,” she said. The festival has also created opportunities for collaboration between Malawian artists and international performers. According to Matukuta, this year’s edition includes partnerships with theatre groups from Scotland and Germany, strengthening cultural exchange and expanding the reach of Malawian theatre beyond national borders.

[/paywall]