From the theatre of the bush in the Zambezi National Park, we were soon to be transported to a theatre experience of another kind… with Simunye: We are One.
After a delicious dinner at Shearwater’s Explorer’s Village Restaurant we strolled to the Ndlovu Theatre at the nearby Elephant’s Walk Shopping Mall, for the Victoria Falls Theatre Company’s award-winning production of Simunye: We Are One. The tiered seating ensure that each of the 180 spectators has unobstructed views of the production as it unfolds and we wait in anticipation for what we’ve been told is ‘a spellbinding fusion of puppetry, dance, music, and visuals that celebrates the universal human desire for connection and belonging’.
The story of Simunye is simple yet powerful. We follow Bomani, the son of a chief, who having been banished for failing to carry out a traditional rite of passage, embarks on an African odyssey with his only friend, Ndlovu, an orphaned elephant. We follow as the unlikely pair travel together learning valuable lessons in acceptance, compassion and unity, creating a bond that rises above their differences.
It’s a production that seamlessly blends diverse artistic expressions, with elaborate costumes and exquisite makeup (thanks to Avalon Van Leent, owner of Mvula Spa) and expertly designed puppets breathing life into the animal characters. We are transported across sweeping landscapes, from parched deserts to verdant forests by the striking backdrops and feel the emotional depth of the story in our very souls, thanks to the incredibly energetic choreography and vibrant musical score.
It’s a wonderful performance, a beautiful love story with bravery, friendship, and adventure. It’s a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the African continent, reminding us that we are all connected and that by working together we can overcome our challenges.
And talk about overcoming challenges, such as a relatively inexperienced cast, the Simunye: We are One production won, not only Outstanding Theatre Production at the Bulawayo Arts Awards but also joint award for Best Actress by Charmaine Mudau who plays Princess Ajani and Musawenkosi Sibanda who plays All Mother/Mamo. With Bruce Mutero wo plays Chief Ekanjo nominated for best actor.
Huge congrats to production manager Tariro Mushonga and the whole team. And to the visionaries behind this amazing project!! The Simunye: We Are One theatre production is another must-do when visiting Victoria Falls.
