Saturday 20 December 2008

Mhlanga the burning fire




Cont Mhlanga’s the good president defines humanity towards the institution of leadership in the broader socio-political context. Mhlanga then uses recent events of the barbaric beatings of political leaders, opposed to President Mugabe’s rule, to guide his plot. It is a play for everyone but deliberately targeted at the political leadership as the brick and guns that binds society together.
In typical satire the play employs humour, mockery, and exaggeration to criticize the bad sides of society in dramatic style. The Good president was banned to be performed in Zimbabwe by the so called Mugabe regime. This gave doors to human rights group by keeping on condemning Mugabe by warding Mhlanga’s play first prize which worth $50,000 about £33,000

A Zimbabwean playwright who has repeatedly challenged the Mugabe regime has been honoured with international awards. Cont Mhlanga referred as “Malume” by his fellow artist which basically means uncle. His highly respected person when it comes to arts industry both local and international level. As the founder of Amakhosi theatre and the creator of Amakhosi Township Square Cultural Centre in Bulawayo which was the first of its kind in Zimbabwe in 1995. Mhlanga has produced more than 20 plays and wrote more than 3 books in his career. The Councilor of Matshiya Ward, Lupane District,

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