The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda Weekender correspondent —
A talented couple is moving around schools in Chipinge giving students tips on how to be responsible members of society by prioritising education at the time they are at school. Through a combination of powerful music and top of the range gestures and verbal dexterity, the twosome drama club shows how young people can earn a living through using their God-given acting talent.
Farai Tavengerwei (26) from Muchini village in Bikita and his wife, Evelyn Chiponda from the same district, are riding high with their thought provoking play, ‘’Dai Ndakadzidza’’ which leaves students and teachers alike crying for some more.
‘’I started acting when I was at school. It was more of doing things to please the teachers than a full realisation that I can become a professional actor. Singing gospel music is another activity that I pursue in my spare time.
“After I got married to Evelyn, I initiated her entrance into the drama world and she has blended well with me as we go about our business of providing the theatre experience to many people. In 2004, I took acting seriously and wrote the play, ‘’Dai Ndakadzidza’’ which became a hit in Bikita after the DEO, Mr Jenjedzwa, gave us the greenlight to act in the schools within Bikita,’’ Farai, who is popularly known as Father Mula said.
The play revolves around the eternal theme of education as a tool of empowerment. An orphan is always at loggerheads with his grandmother who, at great pain to herself, sent her only grandson to school only to be embarrassed by his wayward behaviour.
‘’The young man is very adamant when he gets advice from other people and actually steals money from his granny,’’said Evelyn Chiponda, who did not continue with the story line as she wants pupils to have enthusiasm to see the end of the story.
The duo has moved round the district and received commendations from many schools they visited. Mr Gondo from Gideon Mhlanga High School wrote, “The drama was quite educative to the pupils and it entertained both young and old.’’
They live at Turner Farm but they can be used to entertain guests at weddings and other educative parties. Farai can be contacted on 0773577185. Youths can be masters of their fates if Farai’s story is anything to go by.
