HIFA 2008

HIFA 2008: Exhibition Scenes

A sign of the times. Exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Harare, 1 May 2008.

This broken down car is a metaphor for Zimbabwe. Exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Harare, 1 May 2008.

HIFA 2008: Theatre scences

2008 HIFA was remarkable for the consistent message in the music, theatre and poetry – CHANGE and FREEDOM. Two plays Everyday Heroes (directed by Elton Mjanana) and The Two Leaders I know (directed by Cont Mhlanga) explored the contraditions of an independent Zimbabwe.

Kudzai Chimbaira, director of the play Silent Words.

Rani Moorthy wrote and performed in Curry Tales. At the press conference she quipped she was trying to crack the Coca Cola recipe so she could use it in her curry.

A scene from the play, Everyday Heroes.

Elton Mjanana (right), director of Everyday Heroes and also
coordinator of the theatre programme for HIFA 2008.

Zimbabwe theatre legend, Cont Mhlanga (right), chats to poet Chirikure. Mhlanga is the founder of Amakhosi Theatre Productions based in Bulawayo and well known for its plays with biting social commentary.

Another theatre legend, Daves Guzha (left) of Rooftop Promotions, acted in the one-person play The Two Leaders I Know. The play will be running at Theatre-in-the-Park in central Harare from 14 to 24 May 2008.

HIFA 2008: Poetry Scenes

There is a new voice on the Zimbabwean literary scene. It is the poetry of young people who flock to places such as the Book Café in Harare and “verb what they like”. The scene is flourishing and hearing the youth in action is an inspirational moment. HIVOS, the Dutch organisation, presented the Poetry Café at HIFA 2008. Some photos of the action below.

Outspoken (left) and Chirikure Chirikure (right) – both poets at the forefront of the Poetry Movement in Zimbabwe. Chirikure organised the poetry programme at HIFA 2008.

Brave young warriors. Poets for Human Rights are three young people who use the “Word” to mobilise.