Africa Heart and Soul in Paradise

Ephson Ngadya is the director of Grassroots Theatre Company – a Zimbabwean company the does more than just put on one hell of a show. Through their workshops, they help local communities to come together and provide a safe, fun environment to encourage open and honest discussion of the issues facing people in their lives. They use the universal mediums of dance, drama, and music to spread awareness and understanding of – among other things – poverty, HIV/AIDS, inequality, abuse, TB, and the environment.

As Grassroots prepares to bring their show to the Fringe, we ask Ngadya to tell us all about their work, about the beauty of Zimbabwe, and of course what we should be looking forward to seeing from them in August.

What were the main aims behind Grassroots Theatre Company when it started?

To entertain visitors who came to the Youth Contact Centre (YCC) where it was based. Initially, the college had neither arts nor drama, so some students decided to form a drama group to raise welfare issues affecting students and promote the arts at the college.

How was the political and economic landscape at the time and how have things developed in Zimbabwe since?

Zimbabwe’s political landscape was beginning to be questionable as we started in the same year that a one-party state was being endorsed. The opposition party was forced to enter into a unity deal with the ruling party which ended a dark period of social unrest, but probably gave birth to the worsening political problems experienced thereafter. The economy was still sound though, and socially things were positive with the two big tribes promoting tolerance and inter-tribal activities.

Things have not improved since then. Zimbabwe suffered the effects of the Economic Structural Adjustment Program that saw unemployment rising, poor economic policies, hyper-inflation, selfish land redistribution and the driving away of white commercial farmers, and uncontrolled currency printing. Add in to the mix an increase in HIV/AIDS cases, suppression of human rights and freedom of expression, unlawful arrests, and a government clampdown on opposition parties resulting in the deaths of many people – it paints a bleak picture. Many development organisations that Grassroots collaborated with either left the country or scaled down their operations, making our work in Zimbabwe very difficult.

The situation deteriorated until 2009, when Zimbabwe established a coalition government and adopted a multi-currency policy that has stabilised the economy.

What is the message at your heart?

We promote a sustainable, peaceful, and united lifestyle based on love, appreciation, and tolerance. We live it as best we can.

How do Grassroots spread this message, educate, and promote awareness?
Grassroots promote participatory learning and action techniques, using theatrical activities to engage with audiences. We also use participatory workshops as a forum for sharing and teaching. Most of our approaches are tailor-made to suit the audience or participants. We work with such a variety of people – children, colleges, and universities; churches and prisons; people with learning challenges or special needs – that it is the only way we can work effectively.

Tradition and culture seem integral to the work that you do. What roles do drama, music, and dance play in Zimbabwean culture?

They are popular cultural forms that every citizen or society practices. Zimbabwe got her independence through music, drama, and dance. We use music whenever people gather; for marriage, birthdays – even funerals! Any celebration is marked by music and dance, as well as some form of drama. Music is part of how we talk and feel, it is part of us, and gives us the identity we have today. Dance is how we walk and express ourselves. Drama is how we live our lives.

In what ways do Zimbabwe’s traditions influence what Grassroots does?

Our traditions shape our values: respect, listening, openness, tolerance, forgiveness, learning, kindness, and helpfulness. We support these with honesty and embracing love. We are inspired to exceed our hopes and dreams, and to overcome our fears and the barriers that usually blind society.

It mentions on the website that certain religious or traditional beliefs, like the non-discussion of sex, can hinder progress in terms of HIV/AIDS. How does Grassroots help to face such hurdles?

Theatre is non-confrontational. In fact, it mirrors society in a way that stimulates thought, laughter, imaginations, and hopes. Through poetry, drama, music, and dance, taboo issues become part of drama and help to drive messages to the audience in an acceptable manner. Taboo subjects are therefore not discussed exclusively as this is against cultural values, but are organically tackled in the theatrical processes.

Are there any particular aspects of Zimbabwean culture that are especially celebrated in Grassroots’ work?

Traditional songs and dances about the beauty of Zimbabwean culture, positive behaviour and respect are what we mostly celebrate in our work. We celebrate the use of drums, mbira and marimba instruments.

What are the sights and sounds of a Grassroots show?

Blazing movements with raw energy and accomplished harmonies that bring the African sun to your doorsteps. You can easily lose yourself in the experience.

Finally, what can we expect from your Fringe 2011 show?

Dance movements that will stick for a jolly good time with songs that will make you fall in love with respect and dignity, and a reason to celebrate. Celebrating love is always a good thing!