Reps Theatre Maasdorp Ave / Sam Nujoma St, Harare, Zimbabwe

Latest Reps Newsletter - April 2008

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It has been a while since we sent out a newsletter, but the theatre has been busy throughout February and March and with HIFA now only a few weeks away all eyes are on the various productions lined up for our venue during this exciting and popular annual arts and entertainment showcase, with which we are proud to be associated for the very first time.

HIFA 2008

Great excitement for Reps as for the first time our venue is included in the Harare International Festival of the Arts. As you all know, HIFA has become one of the great success stories of Zimbabwe, thanks to the foresight and determination of Manuael Bagorro in particular, as well as of Maria Wilson and indeed their whole team. Members may wish to know what will be taking place at the Tetrad Reps Theatre (as the venue is officially known for the festival) during HIFA, which runs from Tuesday April 29 to Sunday May 4.

Truth In Translation, presented by the European Union and HIVOS, is a South African production that tells the story of the truth and reconciliation commission seen through the eyes and ears of interpreters who translated its proceedings in to the country's 11 official languages. This acclaimed and controversial musical show has toured Africa, Europe and North America and will feature for three performances at Tetrad Reps (and then goes on to Bulawayo for two performances there).

Mark Nizer is 'the juggler your mother warned you about' and brings his spectacular show to Tetrad Reps during HIFA. He has won the international juggling championships and has performed all over the world, including several times at Washington's Kennedy Arts Center and the famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The Augusto Cuvillas Dance Company brings Fin to Tetrad Reps - three performances dedicated to Augusto, who was killed in Mozambique late last year - performances likely to be the last from this much-admired company.

The National Ballet of Zimbabwe present Dance Determination, using this year's HIFA theme, The Art of Determination, as its production theme. Always a favourite with HIFA audiences, this presentation will feature the leading dancers of the National Ballet and various dance schools.

Also in the world of dance, this time contemporary, Tumbuka present I Try, a vibrant show that will include a solo performance from Chadian dancer Hyacinth. Wings, presented by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, is performed by Cirkus KhaOom and features a poetic and inimate circus performance with two circus performers and two musicians, aimed mainly at young adults. The presence of this eminent Norwegian company at HIFA will be complemented by a series of workshops with dancers, acrobats and street performers, a skills exchange considered vital to cultural development. Booking for HIFA opens soon - watch the weekly column in The standard for full information. we look forward to a successful relationship with the HIFA team and to Reps becoming a regular venue within the festival.

Support the AGM

The society's AGM will take place in the Main stage auditorium at 11am on sunday April 13 and all members are encouraged to attend, for a report on activities in the past year and to have your say in how the society is run. Even though things are tough and possibly uncertain, we continue to operate and we continue to do what we all love. Let's make the AGM a forum for ideas, dialogue and social interaction. A new committee of ten will take office during the AGM, including several new members, so come along to meet them and have your thoughts presented to them for their guidance and subsequent action. By being present, you can make a difference.

Fond farewells

Reps said farewell to Gill West, long-standing actress, director and committee member, as well as chairman of the society. She has moved to Britain, where she hopes to continue in the world of theatre. She will be sorely missed and we wish her all the very best for the future. Farewells of a different kind were also said to Barbara Munro, former chairman and former society secretary and one of the hardest-working people we have ever seen in the reps family. She passed away a few weeks ago and although we were all deeply saddened by this loss, we have a great many fond memories of Barbara and her long relationship with Reps. Deepest sympathy to her husband, Maurice, and all her family. Another farewell went to Keith Clark, a popular musician from our midst who died tragically in March. Sympathies also to his family and to his many friends.

Sponsors needed

The Reps Marketing and Publicity Committee has embarked on a search for sponsors for 2008 - people and organisations who can assist in the various projects and initiatives under way to improve Reps and to build on its very strong foundation for continued and lasting operational success. If you would like to make an input please conatct Stan Higgins at aquarius@mweb.co.zw to find out what areas require help and investment as part of this exercise.

What's coming after HIFA?

What to look out for in coming months on the Reps stages - a murder mystery in Theatre Upstairs, produced by Sue Wilkes and Mel Hooley; Mark Robbins' hire show Sergeant Pepper's Solos, featuring music of the Beatles before and after their split; another Mitzi Carruthers dance spectacular as a hire show in July; a Dance Trust of Zimbabwe Season of Dance in August and a planned revival of Grease, to be directed as a Reps production by Teri Grimmel. Keep watching for booking details.

Did you know ..

... that the MWEB wine bar in the foyer is manned by volunteers and organised by Kathy Keen and her Social Events Committee? Members can volunteer to help and they will find the experience enjoyable, as well as useful for helping raise funds for the society. To find out more, please contact Mike Foster in the Reps Office or speak to Kathy Keen. They'll jump at your offer to help!

Until next time, keep well.

Regards

Tim Garrard, Chairman

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