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Sensational Fists and Fingers set for Theatre in the Park
Rooftop Promotions
August 25, 2011

Two contestants, one boxing ring, one championship belt . . . welcome to "Fists and Fingers". This is a comedy of errors fully loaded with satire, absurdity and laughter. This latest offering from young writer Patrick Chasaya of "Sinners?" fame is expertly handled by award winning director Patience Gamu Tawengwa and produced by Daves Guzha for Rooftop Promotions and Theatre In The Park. "Fists and Fingers" exhumes the follies of human kind and power, where power makes people forget their original intentions.

The production is well represented by seasoned Sebastian Maramba, Rutendo Chigudu fresh from "Rituals" and it introduces a new face Tafadzwa Hanandah.

Can the boxing ring thrive without audience participation?

In boxing as in politics, people are all-important. This is something which the two boxers in the play, Luga and Cee readily agree on. They both know that without committed people to support their cause, they are doomed. However, instead of cultivating a committed fan base (or voters in politics), the boxers choose to sponsor brawls among rival fans prior to matches. Inevitably the police get involved and accusations fly that one of the boxers is using the cops to disrupt the activities of the other. Luga is the defending champion. He is more than willing to use any trick in the book to hold on to the championship belt which he has already stripped of its expensive diamond studs! And, to make matters worse for his opponent, Luga uses his privileged position as the defending champion to refuse to fight when challenged and to set dates that are only good for him. His vision was clear when he left the village as a nobody to seek relevance in the city. He admits that he has been used by foreign promoters, but justifies that by flaunting the fabulous wealth that he has gained along the way.

Having built a formidable stable of boxers he uses factionalism to keep them all under control.

"When one faction leader becomes popular, I shift my backing to another. It is dangerous to endorse an obvious successor among my boxers. It will ignite a row," Luga says, adding, "You'll know now that I am invincible because boxers in my stable are positioning themselves to take over when I retire from this sport but they can't challenge me when I am still a champion."

Zimbabweans are now all too familiar with the antics of some politicians who will not accept a challenge from those within their own ranks. It is only the referee, The Fan, who can effectively describe Luga's modus operandi. He says Luga "is a veteran of many battles, though few will agree to this. He has held this title since the beginning of this competition in this country. He has defeated many competitors by hook and crook"

The contender, Cee, on the other hand is "the challenger who thinks he has many fans supporting him. He has been challenging this title for a decade unsuccessfully.

"He weighs 54 kgs and is a promising boxer since he has kept the so called champion on his toes. He needs to improve on his decision when pressure mounts, sportswriters say so. He boasts of leading what he calls a stable of excellence, but nothing to show for it". During their various 'talks' the two boxers agree that rigging will not be allowed and list other rules, but both are known to act otherwise when they get into the ring. This is a political satire that effectively tackles the ongoing political disputes in Zimbabwe. In the end people don't even know who to turn to, and they can only appeal to Nehanda. One woman sums it aptly when she points out that ordinary people are called on to vote but afterwards the politicians start squabbling while sharing looted diamonds while the people suffer.

A sharp and unexpected ending marks this as a great play from a serious writer and a committed production team.

Are you ready for a TKO (Techinal Knock Out). Be part of it!!! 6th September - 18th September, daily 5:30pm at Theatre In The Park

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