Amakhosi releases theatre journal

Amakhosi Cultural Centre has partnered with a local consultancy firm to produce a journal on theatre.

LMT Research and Documentation Consultancy Company in conjunction with Amakhosi Cultural Centre have released the first edition of a theatre journal called Zimbabwe Theatre Review.

LMT is a Bulawayo-based research and documentation organisation made up of three young academics, Mzingaye Sibanda, Novuyo Tshuma and Liberty Dube.

It was formed in 2008 and has done a variety of documentaries on the city's arts sector.

Their latest product, a 70-page journal which takes a deeper look into Zimbabwe's theatre industry was officially launched at Amakhosi Cultural Centre on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Daily News the editor of the new theatre publication Sibanda, said the project was meant to critique and analyse Zimbabwean theatre for academic research purposes as well as developmental issues in general.

"The journal, which I would like to believe is the first of its kind, is there to give a sound research, documentation and development in as far as theatre is concerned. Our major thrust is to preserve the knowledge related to tangible and intangible arts and culture in the country," said Sibanda.

"We also realised that most of the theatre reviews were being done by foreigners, but we decided to bridge that gap and do that on our own as Zimbabweans."

The journal received an overwhelming support from the lecturers at some of Zimbabwe's leading higher learning institutions such as Muchineripi Gwarinda, Advice Vhiriri and Claytous Moyo among others.

Sibanda further said the journal is set to be the most useful information in theatre as resource material that will largely contribute to the development of theatre industry.

The project could not have been what it is without the sharp intellectual skills of Amakhosi director Cont Mhlanga.

"We applaud Cont for his unconditional support as he made sure the project was a success and for it to be what it is today. His contribution in the form of advice and assistance in putting the journal together cannot go unnoticed," Sibanda remarked.

Inside the new product one is bound to come across reviews of local theatrical plays and newspaper articles, artists' profiles and interviews of influential figures in the arts fraternity.

Plays such as Intimate Affairs and Coming Home are some of the reviewed works.

The journal also contains an inspiring lengthy presentation by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (Nacz) director Elvas Mari on synergising the arts and business community in the country.

The theatre journal is set to be distributed to 27 cultural centres countrywide as well as the National Art Galleries and bookshops.

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