THE National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) has strongly opposed the political violence following the recent spate of abuse, ill-treatment and fighting among cadres of political parties predominantly in Lusaka and Namwala.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) a fortnight ago suspended for a week political campaigns in the named two areas citing violence as the chief reason.
Many people and many other political parties have since condemned the violence insisting peace was cardinal to a prosperous democracy like Zambia, and that peaceful elections would truly usher in a genuine elected government and further peace and development.
Last week, and I am still pleased to have been associated to the noise made in Lusaka; NATAAZ affiliates demonstrated against political violence in Lusaka, at the same time the arts association adopted Given Lubinda, for his binder to the performing arts, as its patron.
Lubinda who is Agricultural Minister and aspiring Kabwata Member of Parliament acknowledged his becoming patron at the celebration to mark this occasion soon after the solidarity march past.
On August 16, with a cool breeze in Lusaka began with the assembling of theatre artists followed by a march past beginning at exactly 10:17 hours; led by the Zambia police brass band.
Draped in white T-shirts, others in chitenge wrapped round their waists and heads from the main Post Office on Cairo Road into Church Road, through Nasser Road, close to 200 theatre artists walked, marched up to the Lusaka Play House.
The march past solely reinforced by Lusaka-based theatre groups was characterised by singing, punctuated by a camaraderie of slogans and dance, and V-symbols to signify peace as motorists honked and pedestrians waved  appreciatively in support.
Perhaps what missed were flyers the marchers should have carried with in their hands for the public to go with in their hands and share with their families, friends and others!
There should have been more banners carrying the message of love and peace, otherwise hundreds of people could have easily alleged it was another Christian crusade marching towards a retreat!
In the auditorium at the Lusaka Play House George Shawa, who was master of ceremonies called for order.
There was a passionate and obsessive recital by poet and president of the Poets, Essayists and Novelists (PEN) Zambia Chapter Nicholas Kawinga, a relevant sketch by Buffaloes Theatre Group and speeches eulogised to uplift the event.
NATAAZ chairperson Boyd Chibale summed up the event amplifying the difficulties the association had gone through; largely the absence of steady funds had unceasingly robbed the association of unfulfilled programmes, workshops and festivals.
“Last year,” Chibale lamented, “we failed to host the theatre festival, because we had no resources. Our belief, our aim is to sustain theatre arts, but majority of our groups are irregularly supported by their institutions. Our corporate world need to change and support theatre.”
He said: “Today, we have found a father-figure; one who is to help us cry loudest for help in ensuring support for the theatre arts is adequate. We have a patron….”
And Given Lubinda admitted his involvement in theatre spanning more than 30 years in NATAAZ and as a member of Lusaka Play House.
Lubinda was once NATAAZ Lusaka provincial secretary, understandably, he does not need teachings over what NATAAZ was like.
“I want to believe, I have been around in theatre the past three decades, and today, I wish to acknowledge the request by NATAAZ to be its patron,” Lubinda said reiterating the need for theatre artists countrywide to be inspirational with their concerns saying theatre was the country’s cultural backdrop.
Chibale and Lubinda, instantaneously spoke exceedingly against political violence experienced in Zambia saying it bred against friendship, but enmity which was ungodly.
Outside the Lusaka Play House, there was splendor; music pulsated from the giant sound system provided by Henry Baldwin Phiri popularly known as BJ.
A firm, plucky and valiant gentleman who is comically celebrated and renowned as masters of ceremonies; so is BJ.
BJ as disc jockey took the patrons through the dance party in the Lusaka Play House car park right up into the wee early evening as the cold chill willed away some revelers and theatre artists.
Rachel Namushi and Bessy Kapema of Tapeza and Matero theatre groups, respectively extolled NATAAZ for organising the event which they said united them in calling for peaceful campaigns before the general elections.
Rachel said violence was able to destroy the peace Zambia had enjoyed over the years.
Andrew Zulu of Matero Theatre Club reaffirmed the unity exhibited during the march past and the celebrations saying he was pleased to be among the participants that called for peace.
Notably present at the playhouse were the National Arts Council vice chairperson Bright Banda, actors Crawford Moyo, Eddie Tembo, Levison Ngoma alias Bikiloni, Aubrey Luo (from the comedy Konstable on Muti TV and Lusaka Theatre Club committee members led by their new chairperson Whitestone Ngandu.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Playhouse has called for auditions for The Most Wretched of this Earth by Chewe Musonda to be produced by Barnabas Kafula.
According to the playwright, auditions are open to the public beginning today at the Playhouse.
He said the play was another thriller on Africa’s political corrupt post-independence elite; a social economic and satire mirrored on the world renowned revolutionary and writer Frantz Fanon.
So theatre artists are invited to turn up.
Chewe Musonda can be contacted on 0953733580.
John.kapesa818@yahoo.co.uk (kapesakapesa818@gmail.com) – 0955-0967-0977-710975