ASSITEJ Zimbabwe to host World Theatre Day for Chi...

ASSITEJ Zimbabwe to host World Theatre Day for Children and Young People celebrations

Audrey Galawu

Arts organisations in the country are set to be part of a week-long series of events to commemorate World Theatre Day for Children and Young People at venues in Harare from March 20 to 27.

ASSITEJ Zimbabwe, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe-Harare Province, Precious Children’s Arts Organisation, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, Patsime Trust, Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, LITFEST, SWWA, Heritage Village, will all be involved in activities intended to foster a love for the arts among children, featuring an array of theatrical performances, workshops, and interactive activities across various venues in Harare.

In a statement, ASSITEJ Zimbabwe said this year’s theme, “Take a Child to the Theatre,” underscores the organisations’ commitment to making theatre accessible to all children, enriching their educational journey and igniting their creative spark.

Slated for the Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre on March 20 at 10am, the official opening ceremony will feature a production for young audiences, Dhiya.

“As a beacon for young talents within the Zimbabwean arts and culture sector, ASSITEJ Zimbabwe, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe-Harare Province, Precious Children’s Arts Organisation, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, Pastime Trust, Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, LITFEST, SWWA, Heritage Village invites children, educators, and families to immerse themselves in the transformative power of theatre.

“This celebration not only entertains but educates, aiming to instil a deep appreciation for the arts, encourage cultural pride, and inspire the next generation of artists and audiences. We believe in the transformative potential of theatre to bring communities together, bridge cultural divides, and celebrate the universal stories that connect us all,” reads the ASSITEJ Zimbabwe statement.

The programme will feature a children’s performance day, a platform for young talents to shine, scheduled for March 23, with schools and individual performers welcome to register and participate.

LITFEST will introduce a special programme, the school’s poetry slam competition, which will unfold in various series throughout the year, culminating in the grand finale on November 21, 2024.

The programme will also feature storytelling, a time to hear a story while children, friends and family will be invited for storytelling day, where they will hear different stories as well as sharing their stories.

Apart from Harare, the celebrations will also be happening in Gwanda, Bulawayo, Hwange and Mutare, creating a platform for every child to participate in the celebrations through various forms of performing arts.

ASSITEJ Zimbabwe chapter chairperson, Chipo Basopo said theatre brings play, humour, and laughter to learning.

“Theatre plays a bigger part in our day-to-day lives and what it brings is reality, relief, laughter, as well as emotions. Having children coming to the theatre, they will experience all that and the magic the stage brings. They will have time to play, feel, experience and engage,” she said.