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Call
for solidarity - Freedom of expression under seige
Rooftop
Promotions
March 15, 2011
The "Rituals"
10 member team (8 artists, 1 driver and 1 Tour Manager), which was
arrested at Nhedziwa Business Centre in Cashel Valley on 5 January
2011 and detained for two nights before being released by Mutare
Magistate's Court, is set to appear before the Mutare Magistrate's
Court on 17 March 2011. They are being charged with "criminal
nuisance" under the Criminal
Law (Codification & Reform) Act.
We appeal to artists,
cultural and civic activists to issue solidarity messages with the
10 as they stand for freedom of artistic expression.
According to filed papers,
the group allegedly "intentionally and unlawfully made noise
or disturbance and beating drums in a public place performing drama
reminiscent of political disturbances of June 2008 elections. The
drama incited the affected members of the public to revive their
differences".
"This is
clear suppression of our artistic work in promoting national healing
and reconciliation, through a play that has been seen by the Organ
on National Healing Reconciliation and Integration and has been
approved by the Board of Censors, and discussing an issue (political
violence) which
the GPA
and its principals acknowledge that it needs to be addressed. We
are disturbed but not discouraged or disheartened, by this especially
considering that we hold a valid censorship certificate from a board
which falls under the same ministry (Home Affairs) and theatre is
one of the exemptions under POSA.
This is a piece
of art nominated for National Arts Merits Awards 2010 Outstanding
Theatrical production which is meant to promote community driven
healing and reconciliation and has opened constructive dialogue
in communities in a 100 performances tour that began in mid-December
last year and ended on 22 February 2011 having covered Harare, Manicaland,
Midlands, Bulawayo, Matebeleland North, Mashonaland West and Central
provinces" says Daves Guzha, Producer of Rooftop Promotions.
"Rituals"
is written by Stephen Chifunyise after going through a research
on community approaches to healing and reconciliation, directed
and produced by Daves Guzha, featuring arguably Zimbabwe's best
theatre talent who include: Mandla Moyo, Zenzo Nyathi, Joyce Mpofu,
Chipo Bizure,
Silvanos Mudzvova and Rutendo Chigudu with music from Joshua Mwase
and Norman Kamema. It is a story told in panoramic fashion chronicling
how community initiated cultural solutions meet with serious challenges
which either prevent their conclusive enactment or achievement of
the desired results.
The cast stood
for their artistic freedom and freedom of expression and now its
time for us to stand with them by sending your solidarity messages
rooftop@zol.co.zw or posting
them on our facebook account: Rooftop Zimbabwe Group or on Twitter:
rooftopTITP or website: www.rooftoppromotions.org
Visit the Rooftop
fact
sheet
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