A full house at Alliance Française de Harare today the 2nd of May marked the successful conclusion of the Directing & Stage Management Workshop presented by Almasi Collaborative Arts and led by acclaimed US theater director and producer Adam Immerwahr. The public showcase, titled Scenes from the World, celebrated the culmination of two weeks of intensive training for emerging and mid-career theater practitioners in Zimbabwe.
By Plot Mhako
Held from April 20 to May 2, the workshop brought together 18 participants for an immersive exploration of directing and stage management. The program focused on strengthening both artistic leadership and technical execution, covering areas such as script analysis, blocking, rehearsal coordination, backstage logistics, and production communication. Through practical exercises and collaborative learning, participants were equipped with tools to navigate the demands of professional theater-making.
Today’s showcase was more than just a performance; it is the first of several training initiatives scheduled for this year that will lead us toward our premier festival of new and original African plays.” Almasi Collaborative Arts
The final showcase reflected the depth of growth achieved during the workshop. Audience members witnessed polished performances that demonstrated improved confidence, creative interpretation, and strong coordination between performers and technical teams. The packed venue highlighted the growing appetite for professional theater development and live performance experiences in Zimbabwe.
Participants described the workshop as transformative, emphasizing the value of learning directly from an internationally respected theater practitioner. Director Eunice Tava said the experience challenged her understanding of the craft.
“Every day was a learning process, and I discovered a lot of things. When you think you are there, you are not yet there,” she reflected. “This week was something else, and I realized I still have a lot to learn, especially working with actors and stage managers at professional levels.”
For emerging stage manager Terrence Kapesa, the workshop provided his first experience in technical production and stage management. “Meeting the actors, getting to know them, and building relationships without tension between actors, stage managers, and directors was important,” he said. “Keeping communication open made this a great and empowering experience for me.”
According to Almasi Programs Director Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, the training addressed an important need within Zimbabwe’s theater ecosystem.
“We needed our directors and stage managers to be more equipped, and Adam graciously agreed to come over,” he said. “We’re hoping and praying that next year we’ll have him back.”
The workshop forms part of the development initiatives leading toward Africa Voices Now! A Festival of New African Plays, reinforcing Almasi’s mission of empowering African artists through training, mentorship, and international collaboration.
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