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Solidarity messages continue to pour in on the eve of a ruling on the application for exception by the "Rituals" team at Mutare Magistrate's court
Rooftop Promotions
March 21, 2011

Mutare Magistrate is set to make a ruling on the application for exception filed by Rooftop Promotions' "Rituals" team lawyer Cosmos Chibaya instructed by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights tomorrow (Tuesday) 22 March 2011 at 830am. The "Rituals" team, that was arrested and detained for two nights at Cashel Valley Police Station charged with criminal nuisance for performing a play on national healing and reconciliation and appeared for an initial hearing on 17 March 2011, had to sleep over in Mutare to be on time at the court. The producer of Rooftop Promotions Daves Guzha laments that, "The costs we have incurred so far in attending to this case are not amusing considering that we were merely doing our job as artists and complementing the inclusive government objectives of national healing, reconciliation and integration under Article VII of the GPA with a play that has a valid censorship certificate.

Our hearts are warm from the solidarity messages that continue to come from Zimbabwe and the rest of the world as we await this ruling which should see us being acquitted should it be granted or demanding a verdict should it not be granted because we cannot afford the time and money to be commuting to Mutare again".

Below are some of the excerpts of solidarity messages:

"The editorial team of the Journal, African Theatre, wishes to express its shock at the arrest in Mutare of the theatre activists associated with the production of the play, 'Rituals'. The Editorial team feels this is an unjustified act of intimidation against a Zimbabwean theatrical product of high artistic and moral caliber, and calls for the dropping of charges against the accused." - Martin Banham, James Gibbs, Femi Osofisan, David Kerr.

"I write from Nairobi in support of "Rituals Team" for their courage. I condemn their incarceration as cowardly by the State machinery bent on violating people rights to information and empowerment. Theatre cannot be the enemy of State. The enemy is elsewhere and the case against the Rituals Cast is a waste of tax payers money and should be dismissed." - Karegwa Muchiri-All Africa Dance Festival on Peace

"Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) joins the rest of the country's peace lovers to denounce the barbaric attitude done by the state to silence the constructive artistic work done by Rituals. Such attitude by the state clearly portrays that behind the scene there are people who do not have the country at heart. Shame on them! Peace shall prevail in our country one day and those who are architects of human rights abuses shall be baptized by fire." - Okay Machisa - ZimRights - National Director

"My belief is that Rooftop, especially the cast of Rituals, is paving the way for many other artistes who have been cowed into silence. All freedoms have to be demanded and you guys are just doing that on behalf of all artistes. We are with you all the way". - Raisedon Baya - writer and Intwasa Arts Festival Director

"For you and your team, Daves, blessings. We are thinking of you. Hopefully, justice will win the day." - Ros and Clive

"Thanks so much. Look forward to a favourable judgement that enhance and support development and promotion of art and culture in Zimbabwe." - Elvas Mari - Director - National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

"Courage, and thank you for taking such a stand on behalf of freedom of expression." - Margaret Ling

"We stand by your side" - Alex Patelis

"Du store verden! the DSV Network has on several occasions had the pleasure of working with Rooftop Promotions, Harare - presenting their works at the National Theatre in Oslo, Norway for enthusiastic audiences. Rooftop Promotions represent excellent voices and artistic expressions; addressing highly actual social issues and themes to authorities, broad audiences and youth. Zimbabwe has the advantage of possessing a theatre group that combines admirable artistic qualities with the true artistic freedom (and duty) of expression - and holds great international artistic respect and admiration. We urge the authorities of Zimbabwe to acknowledge and encourage these remarkable artists in their activities." - Oslo, Du store verden! the DSV network, Eli Borchgrevink, director

"Dear Daves, I will forward your message to the Norwegian Actor's Union. You have the support of the National Theatre people as well." - Margrethe Aaby / Produsent

SEND YOU SOLIDARITY MESSAGES TO: rooftop@zol.co.zw / media@rooftop.co.zw or on our Facebook account: Rooftop Group Zimbabwe or twitter account: rooftopTITP

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