Theatre in the Park to host a three day one-hander play ‘Once an Actress’ written by Tony Layton, adapted and directed by Stanley Mambo. It has Patience Gamu Tawengwa as the Executive Producer and it is being produced and performed by Charity Dlodlo from tomorrow Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 October 2021 between 6 PM and 7 PM.

By Passmore Ndlovu

The play is about Sarah who turns back time while working in an old factory, she reflects how she was once persuaded by a friend to attend an audition. That was a lucky breakthrough that became the start of a short-lived acting career. She recounts her experiences at drama school where she learns to explore her mind to develop characters and to handle emotions.

Buoyed up with landing her first acting job touring rural villages and trading centers. We learn about her quickly developed talent for coping with the curious and fickle love life of jobbing actors on the road. Scarcity of opportunities recalls to her many auditions she attended and how success could have been hers if only she would accept nude scenes.  With no offers of work, she desperately awaits a call from her agent. This single-hander leaves the audience with a distinct feeling from unexpected but unfulfilled dreams or ambitions.

Dlodlo who has been acting for almost two decades now says she was inspired to work on this project by the experiences of women and girls chiefly those in the creative industry. She also adds that she fell in love with the title and the plot which she says have a connection with the actress she is.  

“I was inspired to do this play since it reflects universal experiences of most women and girls and it’s also a story based on realities I have witnessed from fellow artists and most young girls in the communities I have lived”

Charity Dlodlo

Charity Dlodlo is one of the celebrated acting talents in the country and she made herself a name with her role as Mai Madziva the gossip monger on the most popular and Zimbabwe’s first soap opera called Studio 263 that premiered in 2002. She also worked on projects like ‘Sinners’, ‘Mitambo International Theatre Festival’, ‘Chipo the Gift’ among others. Theatre in the Park are now hosting different events including theatre and music every week. Their management said that they are working on having weekly shows during the working days and weekends. Having survived the COVID-19 lockdowns, the venue continues to enhance its digital technology for virtual performances.

Admission is $10 and for bookings the contact details are 0719203683 or 0774232478. Tickets are also procurable at their offices during their business hours with all payment methods being accepted.