Family Riots a unique and groundbreaking production by Gideon Jeph Wabvuta will be premiering between November 15 and 24, 2024, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. The production has been realised under the artistic direction of award-winning playwright and actress, Danai Gurira (Walking Dead, Black Panther).
Gurira is commited to amplifying untold African stories and her leadership sets the vision for Almasi, which includes ensuring Family Riots finds its rightful place on the global stage.
Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, is a talented alumnus of Almasi’s programs, who through Almasi’s Walter Mparutsa Fellowship matriculated with a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Writing at University of Southern California. His acclaimed play, Family Riots, earned distinguished mention for the Rosa Parks and Kennedy Centre in 2019 and was showcased at the New Works Two Festival at USC in Southern California.
Family Riots explores the ambitions, aspirations and unresolved wounds of a young family in Mbare. It follows the conflicts of family relationships in Zimbabwe during the late 1990s.
The play delves into the lives of Sidney and Primrose, a couple whose once-idyllic life unravels due to financial strain and personal secrets. It offers a provoking interrogation on the human condition in a rapidly changing society. The play taps into the nostalgia of everyday Zimbabwean life in that era, blending reflection with a deep sense of familiarity for those who lived through it.
Family Riots could be categorized as a new Zimbabwean August Wilson play entering us into a bold era of Zimbabwean storytelling.
Directing the production is the dynamic duo made up of decorated American theatre director Lucie Tiberghien and Zimbabwean Makomborero Theresa Muchemwa who has been a part of Almasi’s previous dramatic initiatives.
The production attests to the uniqueness of the Almasi process in nurturing talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration towards making compelling pieces of dramatic performance. A team of production designers, technical experts, actors and directors, many of whom have been trained through Almasi initiatives, are collaborating in the creation of this piece.
The audience is guaranteed of a resonant experience, harkening a new era of placing Zimbabwean born narratives on the global stage. This unmissable play will be running from 15- 24 November. Tickets are currently on sale for $10 via magetsi.co.zw and at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
