Local, international theatre groups excited with TRC Fringe Fest

 

Nkhwazi Theatre Works in their previous
perfomances

As enthusiasm continue to build for the Mwezi Arts inaugural Theatre Renaissance Cabaret (TRC) international festival, local and international theatre productions performing at the event are optimistic of the festival’s potential to propel emerging talents to international stage and collaborations.

TRC is an International Theatre Festival scheduled for July 25 to 27, 2025 taking stage at the iconic Madsoc Theatre in Area 2, Kumbali Castle at Area 44 and Jazz Lounge at Four Seasons.

Emmanuel Chilombo, the director of Nkhwazi Theatre Works whose production is featured on TRC Fringe Fest said the TRC international festival offers them opportunity to showcase local stories, dialects, and artistic styles to the forefront—sharing Malawi’s rich culture with a wider audience.

“This is a very important festival because it is a stage to celebrate our cultural identity. At the same time, we see it as a community engagement arena for professional connection as performing at this auspicious event will help us get recognized by different audience.” Explained Chilombo.

Persuade Svosve and Simangaliso Gwebu patrons for the Riverdale Drama Club, a vibrant group of students from Riverdale Academy in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, also share similar view saying their participation in the festival means a great deal.

‘’It's an opportunity to showcase our talents on a larger stage, learn from other artists, and gain exposure to different theatrical styles. We're excited to share our unique perspective and creativity with the festival audience’’ added the group patrons

They have since confirmed working hard to perfect their production to showcase at Fringe Fest - a play that explores theme of excellence beyond the horizon, a production that will feature a mix of music, dance, and drama.

On other hand, Nkhwazi Theater Works will perform a play titled LIMBANAZO - a product of hardships and love. It explores horrors of slave trade in Africa especially on abuses suffered by the captives enroute to oversees and the agony inflicted upon the relatives who were left behind.

According to Nkhwazi Theatre Works director, the production will feature over 15 foreign acts together with Malawian artists and the production is suited for an important festival of national and international theatre culture—bringing new voices, new visions and creative energy.

Makande: We are very ready

In an interview Immulanie Makande, Head of TRC Fringe Fest said assured that all preparations for the festival are at advance stage – making everything ready for a memorable event.

“We are very ready, all international acts have confirmed, they are coming. Mwezi arts as a house, we are finalizing setting the Fumbi Open Air Theatre stage which will host the Fringe theatre festival, once the stage is set, we will be waiting for the audience to let the curtains rise.’’ He indicated

Makande said the Fringe fest has 23 productions which will spread from the Fumbi Open Air Theatre stage to Kachere Women’s prison, Dzaleka refugee camp, Pondamali trading centre, Tsoka Market and Chipasula Secondary school. The main TRC festival has 35 theatre shows spreading from Madsoc Theatre, Kumbali Castle, and Jazz Lounge at Four Seasons. All these shows are starting from 25 and will end on 27 July.

‘’Theatre fans, we appreciate your support. Don’t miss this festival because the narrative will change afterwards and it will be sad for you to remain behind. This is a defining moment for 2025, it is opening a whole different Chapter in Malawian and African Theatre a theatre renaissance. Those planning to buy tickets, may visit Pamsika Online and buy yours, you can also get printed tickets at Madsoc and from various theatre groups that are part of the festival. The festival will soon be sold out and buying tickets sooner will be better.’’ He said

‘’This is such a wonderful moment to be alive. Let’s come together and celebrate our different cultures, let’s discover how theatres from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Portugal, Tunisia, UK, Ile de la Reunion, Poland, Hong Kong, are telling their stories. In fact, what stories are they telling? TRC has all that and ready to deliver.’’ Added Makande

Concurring with Makande, Nkhwazi Theatre Works director also encouraged theatre lovers not to miss this event.

‘’This is your delight, an opportunity to attend an outstanding blend of drama, experimental theatre, workshops, music, dance and interactive styled performances packaged in a week-long experience. For all Malawians, a booster of cultural vitality. We are telling world Malawi’s tale, including its talent and creativity.’’ He said

‘’To all theatre lovers and Malawians, we invite you to join us for the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret. We believe that theatre has the power to inspire, educate, and unite people. Our production will challenge your perspectives, make you laugh, and leave you feeling uplifted. Come and experience the magic of Riverdale Academy's Drama Club!’’ added Svosve and Gwebu

Juno Theatre from Hong Kong 
to perform at the festival

While expressing profound gratitude to participate in the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret, Svosve and Gwebu further said their group is look forward to sharing our talents with the festival audience.

‘’We hope to inspire and entertain, and we're excited to be part of this celebration of theatre and creativity.’’ Added the group patrons

Riverdale Drama Club consists of about 30 talented students who share a passion for drama, music, and the performing arts. They have made memorable performances at Principals dinner and awards nights, where they showcased acting and entertainment skills and they are actively participating in preparation for the school's Music and Arts Concert to be held in August this year.

Nkhwazi Theater Works is a 20-member group comprised of 12 boys and 8 girls based in area 36, Lilongwe. Founded in 2019, the group has been preforming in various stages including at Dzuwa Liwale Arts festival and Wings of Eagle arts show.

Nkhwazi Theatre Works is expected to perform on Saturday 26^th July 2025 at Fumbi Open Air Theatre stage at Madsoc Theatre in Area 2, in Lilongwe.

According to Chilombo, Nkhwazi Theater Works will soon premier a movie and the trailer is already out on their Facebook page and on YouTube channel.

The groundbreaking international festival is set to revitalise the theatrical landscape in Malawi, bringing together theatre practitioners from across the globe, offering a vibrant platform for storytelling, artistic exchange, and audience engagement.

It will feature 17 Plays, 13 African, Asian and European Countries, Fringe (parallel) Fest (ival) packed with theatre performances, script readings, theatre workshops, theatre sports/games, merchant stalls over 7 days. Workshops and official opening will take place on 21st to 24th July there shall followed by public shows on 25th to 27th July 2025.

The festival will attract participation of productions from over 15 countries such as Kenya, Iran, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Cameroon, Canada, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Israel, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.