Almasi Collaborative Arts and The Public Theater Launch Inaugural Zimbabwean Writer’s Retreat

A groundbreaking milestone for Zimbabwean theatre has been reached as Almasi Collaborative Arts, in partnership with the renowned Public Theater of New York, launches the inaugural Zimbabwean Writer’s Retreat. Running from March 31 to April 12 in Harare, the retreat offers an exclusive and immersive space for five emerging playwrights to focus on the development of their craft and the evolution of their storytelling voices.

The retreat marks a pivotal step in Almasi Collaborative Arts’ mission to elevate dramatic literacy and provide Zimbabwean creatives with platforms to thrive. It offers participants an intensive residential environment designed to inspire innovation, encourage risk-taking, and provide uninterrupted time for writing and reflection.

Zimbabwean Writer’s RetreatThe selected playwrights for the inaugural cohort are Amanda Ranganawa (Mutare), Tatenda Mutyambizi (Harare), Kingsley Chinhanu (Mutare), Philani Nyoni (Bulawayo), and Rudo Mutangadura (Harare). Each brings a unique regional perspective and artistic voice to the retreat, reflecting the diversity and depth of Zimbabwean storytelling.

Danai Gurira, celebrated actress and playwright, and Executive Artistic Director of Almasi Collaborative Arts, expressed her deep passion for nurturing local talent:

“As a playwright who has benefited tremendously from residential Writer’s Retreats in the US, I wanted to bring such an opportunity to Zimbabwean writers. The respite allows the space and time to give their gift the chance to reach the page, creating narratives that can benefit many others for generations to come.” She added heartfelt gratitude to The Public Theater and its Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis, for their unwavering support in spotlighting Zimbabwean voices.

The collaboration with The Public Theater—an institution known for producing revolutionary works such as Hamilton—underscores the global significance of this initiative. This partnership aims not only to nurture local talent but to elevate Zimbabwean stories onto international platforms.

As the Zimbabwean Writer’s Retreat unfolds in Harare, anticipation builds around the work that will emerge from this nurturing space. Almasi Collaborative Arts and The Public Theater extend congratulations to the selected playwrights and reaffirm their commitment to fostering bold, original voices in African theatre.

This initiative signals a powerful new chapter for Zimbabwe’s performing arts scene, blending local authenticity with global artistic exchange.”