SATURDAY 02 MAY

THE OFFICIAL DAILY FOR THE HARARE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2015

Fashion Old Meets Fashion NewIf you haven’t yet made it to The HIFA 2015 Design Showcase, make your way to the Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome for a heavy dose of leather. Today’s show “Illusion” shows off uniquely Zimbabwean leather bags. You don’t want to miss this eclectic blend of modern and traditional. Yesterday’s ‘Inside Out’ showcase blew audiences away as designers showed how old clothers could be brought to life again.

Saturday 2 May/Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome/3PM

Zvekupenga’s Tinashe and ChasheWould you believe it if we told you that the singers of Zimbabwean hit song “Zvekupenga” – Tinashe and Chashe – have never before performed together?! Their superb collaboration that topped 2014 charts was developed purely online. Up to now. Today these two talented singers come together on stage for their world debut together. Not to be missed!

Saturday 2 May/Lay’s Global Stage/12:30PM

Bravo Beatenberg!You can throw most musicians into one genre or another as soon as you start listening to them, but not with South African fusion band, Beatenberg.

One moment you hear rock, then a Sungura-like twang starts flying off the guitar strings, then you can swear there’s some reggae in there as they switch over to a new track. While you’re still processing all that with your head, your body and soul are already in motion, loving this new fusion of sounds and beats, they shift into another gear and move into a deep afro-groove.

With this multi-award winning band, you never know what to expect next. Every new song contains a surprise.

Each surprise, though, was greeted with deafening screams and cheers from the

mesmerized and energetic crowd at Beatenberg’s 60-minute show at the ZOL Main Stage, a highlight of yesterday’s HIFA programme.

As soon as the trio appeared on stage, the packed arena broke into a roar of anticipation – this was one of the most anticipated shows at HIFA 2015. And the roars got louder with every song.

The trio brought their A-game to the Sunshine City as they blew the crowd away with a seamless performance, which is arguably one of the best musical shows we have witnessed this year in Harare,let alone HIFA, this year on a beautiful Friday evening. Unlike many other bands, the three guys did not spend a lot of time talking after every song. They left that to the frenzied crowd and just continued serenading.

The band’s coordination was simply immaculate, and it was really hard to believe that only three people were on stage as their sound was so rich and solid.

Another fact to note about their performance was their versatility. They effortlessly switched from one genre to the other but still maintained their vibe and proved that their artistry is par excellence.

Two songs that pushed the already excited crowd over the edge were a cover of Frank Oceans’ ‘Thinking About You’ and their chart topping number ‘Pluto.’

We loved them. Harare loved them. Beatenberg rocks!

Previews & Highlights

DAILY PROGRAMMEReviews and Highlights

The Tumbuka show, We were Made Men and Other Stories, was bound to be an emotive showcase of Zimbabwean contemporary dance.

The show opened with the piece, We were Made Men, choreographed by Snoden Filimon. The set drew on vivid images of power and the childish outbursts adults carry into grown up life.

Maylene Chenjerayi then showcased her piece, which opened in darkness, dotted with fluorescent linings on the

dancers highlighted under the UV lighting.

Finally, Stanley Wasili took the choreographing reigns to present, Equals 24, a dance exploring ritual in our day to day lives, cleverly using hand woven Zimbabwean baskets as props.

Finishing to uproarious applause the beaming troupe bowed to thank the audience for their support and appreciation for a Zimbabwean staple of the arts scene.

Drama and Drumming from TianjinImagine being sucked into an old kung-fu flick, sans special effects and subtitles; just drums, strings, and the occasional gong, when things get really dramatic. That’s what it was like watching the Tianjin Youth Beijing Opera Troupe in action.

The Tianjin Troupe comprises of six actors, all dressed in exotic Chinese make-up and masks, showcasing hig-flying acrobatics, traditional Chinese dances, and martial arts moves. The amazing moves displayed agility, precision, and focus. Audience members were captivated by the amazing costumes that brought to life the rich culture and history of the China.

The first part of the story begins when Tathagata learnes that Vimalakirti had fallen ill in Pili city, so he sends one of his celestial beauties to perform a healing ritual gracefully scattering flowers, chanting, and dancing. He later reads the Buddha’s order to the patient before returning.

The second phase of the story is a tale of treachery and politics. Jiao Zan, a senior officer of the Song Dynasty was exiled to the Shamen Island for assassinating a government official called Xie Qinruo. A fierce fight broke out during a pitch black night scene.

The play ends with the 18 Arhats fighting the Monkey King. The Emperor had held a huge peach banquet, but had not invited the Monkey King. He went to the palace and caused havoc! In retaliation, the Emperor dispatched 100,000 heavenly warriors. This epic battle dance was accompanied by loud banging traditional drums, sword fighting, and a martial arts demonstration. Perhaps a little loud for some of the kids in the audience, but exciting nonetheless!

Crazy goes Psycho!One would wisely assume that a play entitled “4:48 Psychosis” is not actually meant to portray lucidity, and it certainly did not. It was disturbing - decidedly and delightfully so, if one can say that about a clinically depressed, half-naked and deranged woman who constantly fuses suicidality and sexuality.

The play is typically presented on a set reminiscent of a Western psych ward, with a shrink in a white lab coat. But the fresh interpretation by the acclaimed Mozambican company performed on Thursday at the Standard Theatre made that typical setting seem rather boring. Instead we found ourselves watching a stage set up as an African town, with incense burning on the stage, eerie music, allusions to juju, a marimba, and a medicine man with killer abs. The musician-cum-medicine man taunted the crazy protagonist.

The lead actress, Angelina Chavango played the gyrating crazy woman with crazy eyes that went back and forth like a tiki-taki soccer ball. Her acting was a little too good. She seemed like a possessed voodoo doll with gaping holes cut out of her dress in the most risqué areas, which seemed to scream, “Get your mind out of the gutter people!”

Had we not spoken to the director, Maria Atalia, we may have thought her crazy too for coming up with such an out-of-the-box angle to this 16 year-old play, written by British playwright Sarah Kane. The audience was held enthralled until the last moment of this disturbing play. Nightmares may persist for another week or so after HIFA!

Made to Dance

Saturday 02 MayTIME PAGE PRODUCTION PRICE VENUE

10AM - 5PM 65 National Gallery Exhibitions

@NGZ NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE

10AM - 7PM 58 British American Tobacco Zimbabwe Design and Craft Market

Free* GLOBAL QUARTER

10 - 11AM 43 HeLa $10 THE STANDARD THEATRE

10 - 11AM 51 A Vice In Harlem $12 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

11AM - 12PM 59 Poetry Slam $8 HIVOS POETRY LAB

11.15AM - 12.15PM 26 Clarinet and Strings $8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

11.30AM - 12.30PM 40 - 41 Djembe Monks & Michael Moore

Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

11:30AM - 12:30PM 47 A Tree To Sing To $8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

12 - 2.00PM JUST GO Free Stage on First Street Performances

SO FREE! FREE STAGE ON FIRST STREET

12.30 - 1.30PM 17 Tinashe and Chashe $8 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

12.30 - 2PM 49 The HandleBards - Comedy of Errors

$10 THE HANDLEBARDS GLADE

1 - 2PM 52 National Ballet & ROLX $15 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

1 - 2PM 46 Panali Panali $8 THE STANDARD THEATRE

2 - 3PM 11 Victor Kunonga ft. Ramin Khalatbari

$8 ZOL MAIN STAGE

2.30 - 3.30PM 45 Dreams - ASSITEJ Mini Festival

$8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

3 - 4PM 40 - 41 Harare Collective Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

3 - 4PM 26 Luminous Ravel $8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

3 - 4PM 60 Illusion $8 THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME

4 - 5PM 57 Dhamaka $10 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

4.15 - 5.15PM 12 Global Resonance $12 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

5 - 6PM 43 HeLa $10 THE STANDARD THEATRE

5.15 - 6.15PM 45 DUDA! - ASSITEJ Mini Festival

$8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

5.30 - 6.30PM 14 Perfect Friction $12 ZOL MAIN STAGE

6.15 - 7.15PM 21 Kyle Shepherd $10 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

6.45 - 7.15PM 40 - 41 Vee Mukarati Performs Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

7.15 - 8.15PM 18 Global Guitars $15 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

7.45 - 8.45PM 47 Zimbabwe Voices 2 $8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

8.30 - 9.30PM 60 Comedy - Rock The Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome

$8 THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME

8.30PM - 1AM 13 Sonic Wonderland $30 ZOL MAIN STAGE

9 - 10PM 42 ErictheFred $10 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

9 -10PM 43 Mpinga Mornings $12 THE STANDARD THEATRE

11PM - 12AM 49 Pakistani House Husband Experience

$8 THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME

12.30 - 2AM 40 - 41 Background Music Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

Feathers, Elegance, and Egyptian Royal FashionThe Royal Norwegian Dome was aflutter with feathers, shiny beads, sheer fabric, slits, and a heavy dose of elegance on Thursday evening, with fashion show “Articulate Couture.” And articulate they did!

Of the night’s first designer, David Alford, acclaimed Zimbabwean singer and mbira player Hope Masike confided that, “ I have already picked out a David Alford I’d love to wear at the Salif Keita Closing Show!” Can anyone hook her up?

Next up was Tapfumanei Munenge, whose work oozed feathers, beads, and serious

sex appeal. Pinks, greys, light blues; his elegant line was clearly appreciated by the artists and who’s who of the Harare fashionista crowd watching the show.

Last but definitely not least were the scintillating (and sometimes risqué) Egyptian Royals-inspired designs of Ara Kani. The models were sultry, sexy, and dripping in vintage bling!

“Articulate Couture” was jointly presented by the EU, Culture Fund, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Once Upon A Time in Zambia‘Panali Panali,’ which is Nyanja for “Once upon a time,” is an entertaining show from Zambia, which features a couple of folklores acted out by a superb cast of performers, a sprinkling of audience participation (children being called onto stage to act as animals, for example) and is interspersed with some appealing songs. It is for the young, the young at heart, and young in mind, and gives Zimbabweans a taste of Zambian culture that may have been hitherto unexplored.

With the concept of animal characters fraternising with human characters being the norm, the stage is set for a children’s show with light-hearted humour and tongue-in-cheek performances,

delivered by four members of Dinaledi Expressions Theatre Company. Much dancing and singing further lightens the mood and gives the show that extra zing factor. Even if one does not know anything about Zambia or feels they are too old for a show of this kind, the show’s engaging cast puts you at ease and shows you it is perfectly ok to embrace and get in touch with one’s “silly side.”

Final performance: Saturday 2 May/The Standard Theatre/1PM

REVIEWS

Nothing’s Gonna Bring Digitzz Down TodayIn a truly electrifying performance, Dutch rapper Digitzz poured out his heart and soul and, in the words of one rap fanatic at his show yesterday, “Digitzz is the man. He killed it!”

The ZOL Main Stage on Friday afternoon was packed with fans as Digitzz did his thing. The “Thank God it’s Friday” star was at his best with his DJ, also his girlfriend, by his side. The crowd had their hands waving in the air throughout the entire show.Undeniably one of the best performances at HIFA thus far, fans sang along to songs such as “The Jam” and “The Awesome.” Like a re-incarnation of the old school Snoop Dogg, Digitzz easily won over the crowed with his laid back flow and melodic instrumentals.

His presence and energy on stage were contested only by his lyrics, which are insightful, intellectual, and simply awesome. You can tell that this guy loves what he does and enjoys performing in front of a large crowd. For this particular show he decided to go topless, showing off his tattoos - a sight that made the ladies swoon, and provided inspiration for the gents.

According to another fan in the crowd, “His music makes me want to go for a pool party!”

Towards the end of his performance, the artist asked to take a selfie with the crowd and the large crowd jostled with each other to make it into his photo. Digitzz closed with his hit song “The Jam” with the audience joining in the chorus, “Heeey, nothing gonna bring me down today.”

So Far at HIFA 2015: Shows We’ve Loved!Lauren Richardson: “I really enjoyed the Somi show and can’t wait for the final show!!”

Shanice and Faith Mapurisana (sisters): “Digitzz was dope!! and now we’re counting hours to the Beatenberg show!”

Chiedza Mutyavaviri: “My HIFA2015 highlight has been the HIVOS Poetry Lab.”

Cecilia Mutemeri: “ The Prince Edward Jazz Band always delivers!”

Impi (from Monkey Nuts): “What I’ve enjoyed most at HIFA is the opportunity to hang out with my friends and make new friends, all the while surrounded with music. It’s great to have a week where there are all these different shows happening, with artists from around the world.”

HOT ATTRACTION!Don’t miss the Poetry Slam in the Hivos Poetry

Lab Today at 11am

PLEASE NOTE:1. In general the bus loads 40 minutes before a show and departs promptly 30 minutes before the show.

2. Usually the bus is waiting at the end of the show, but there may be a small wait If a small wait is involved, the anticipated delay is indicated in the last column of the schedule.

Standard Theater & NMB Recital to Main GateBoard Depart From To Task Wait at end of show11.00 am 11.05 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Hela' 30 mins12.45 pm 12.50 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Clarinet & Strings' 30 mins2.00 pm 2.10 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Panali Panali' 30 mins4.00 pm 4.10 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Luminous Ravel' 30 mins6.00 pm 6.10 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Hela' 30 mins7.15 pm 7.25 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Kyle Shepherd' 30 mins10.00 pm 10.10 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Mpinga Morning' 30 mins

ZB Bank Reps & ZB Bank Upstairs to Main Gate

Board Depart From To Task Wait at end of show11.15 am 11.20 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'A Vice In Harlem'' 15 mins12.45 pm 12.50 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'A Tree To Sing To' 15 mins2.15 pm 2.20 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'National Ballet Rolx' 15 mins3.45 pm 3.50 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'Dreams Assitej Minifest' 15 mins5.00 pm 5.10 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Dhamaka' 15 mins6.15 pm 6.25 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'Duda Assitej Minifest' 15 mins8.45 pm 8.55 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'Zim Voices 2' 15 mins10.00 pm 10.10 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Eric The Fred' 15 mins

Main Gate to ZB Bank Reps and Upstairs RepsBoard Depart From To Task Wait at end of show9.20 am 9.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'A Vice In Harlem' 15 mins10.50 am 11.00 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'A Tree To Sing To' 15 mins12.20 pm 12.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'National Ballet Rolx' 15 mins1.50 pm 2.00 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'Dreams Assitej Minifest' 15 mins3.20 pm 3.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Dhamaka' 15 mins4.35 pm 4.45 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'Duda Assitej Minifest' 15 mins7.05 pm 7.15 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Zim Voices 2' 15 mins8.20 pm 8.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Eric The Fred' 15 mins

Main Gate to Standard Theater & NMB Recital

Board Depart From To Task Wait at end of show9.20 am 9.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Hela' 30 mins10.35 am 10.45 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Clarinet & Strings' 30 mins12.20 pm 12.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Panali Panali' 30 mins2.25 pm 2.30 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Luminous Ravel' 30 mins4.25 pm 4.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Hela' 30 mins5.35 pm 5.45 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Kyle Shepherd' 30 mins8.20 pm 8.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Mpinga Morning' 30 mins

SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE

The HIFALutin’ is the Festival’s daily newspaper proudly brought to you this year by SEED CO. The 2015 HIFALutin’ is coordinated with the assistance of Zimbo Jam and is printed overnight and delivered every morning by Sable Press.

Rainbow Nation Makes a Statement

As most of us know, of late, South Africa has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons – namely the violence witnessed there over the preceding weeks. With that in mind, this show came to us from the “Rainbow Nation” and provided the audience with a more positive perspective of that country. Of course, the use of engaging media, such as song and dance, serve the show in demonstrating to Zimbabweans and others to see that the people of South Africa are “together” as a nation.

With many metaphoric references to current situations and problems, ‘Ilifa’ (“The Inheritance”), as part of the Rights Of The Child Assitej Mini Fest, featured characters that represented groups of people and

communities who are either making a positive or negative impact. This supposedly “intense” subject matter, the show is argeted towards children! Of course, with the use of crazy costumes, masks and over-the-top portrayals from the performers, this became evident.

Catch other shows as part of the Assitej Mini Fest:

Dreams: Saturday 2 May/ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs/2:30PM

Duda!: Saturday 2 May/ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs/5:15PM

Fair Play: Sunday 3 May/Old Mutual Day/ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs/5:45PM

Let’s Play with PaperIf you had told me that one day I would voluntarily sit and watch two people play with paper, I would’ve had you committed to the psychiatric ward, along with the actress from 4:48 Psychosis (another great HIFA 2015 show). But you know what? It was great!

The Birdheart creators, Julian Crouch and Saskia Lane, took what is usually a canvas for fine art and morphed it into a performing art protagonist—that’s the kind of crazy we love.

The live animation had the audience chortling and at the same time truly intrigued. The puppetry technique was, permit me to say “oooh-la-la!” So much so that one understood why the audience stayed for a lengthy Q&A session after the show in order to ascertain exactly how this was done.“It’s just paper!” said Crouch “Well, American Paper; but we did use Zimbabwean sand!”

They even carry a spare sheet, just in case. Talk about bougie recycling!

Youth Articulate at HIFAWhen the HIFA organisers said this festival would be a platform for youth to explore their capabilities, some thought they were just trying to market the festival to families.

However, there was much ado at the Simba Youth Zone during Day 4 of HIFA, as young people enjoyed themselves through dance and music. The Youth Zone is a place for youngsters to be entertained, learn, appreciate art, and articulate.

Painting and dancing were just some of the activities that were happening at that stage.

The kids cheered as the Simba Chips mascot, Simba the Lion, came on stage and danced with the youth. He appeared for just a few minutes but left the youth (and some adults!) buoyed for much of the afternoon!

Popular dance moves like “Clarks” were demonstrated on stage, while others painted or tested their jumping skills on the jumping castle.

This is a great place for the young to relax, learn, and let loose a little at the same time.

Tickets to the Simba Youth Zone are $6,00.