Zambezi Express

A selection of stills from the production Zambezi Express taken at the Bulawayo Theatre during a two week run of the show, March 2010.  Due to popular demand the show returned for a second run in June 2010. 

Photographs by Maciek Malicki

The story of Zambezi Express and of its' run at the Bulawayo Theatre in 2010 is a favourite of my time in Zimbabwe so far.  I first met Siyaya, (the company behind Zambezi) and director Mambazo Saimon Phiri in 2008 and was struck by their ambitious ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude.  I liked their desire to remain true to their Makokoba roots too (Makokoba's the oldest township of Bulawayo' eastern suburbs.)  When later that year a friend wanted a Zimbabwean arts group to perform at a festival  in France I had no hesitation in recommending Siyaya.  Over the last three years we've established good working relations and friendships, partnering on several occasions. 

Around that time Siyaya started work on this ambitious new project: an all-singing, all-dancing, locally-inspired concept to tie in with the forthcoming world cup.  I saw some of the initial rehearsals where already the high-energy, positive and feelgood vibe that characterises Zambezi Express was evident.  Then I was also at the 'send-off' event in Makokoba before the company left for the UK to finish work on and debut the show in the UK.

In 2009 the Bulawayo Theatre asked if I knew any fully-fledged productions for their main stage and I told them about Zambezi and sang its' praises and then mentioned it to Siyaya as an idea. I seem to remember initially neither side was 100% convinced, perhaps uncertain of whether the combination of venue and audience would work.  However, after discussion both decided to give it a go and partnered to bring Zambezi Express to the Bulawayo stage.  

What happened next really was exciting.  The show opened with an explosion of life and as each performance finished and the audience left, it was a time-bomb scenario as they raved about what they had just experienced and before long word of mouth spread.  Tickets were snapped up and some people came again and again, returning with their whole families, neighbours and friends!  The shows sold out and we packed as many as possible into the theatre.  Extra shows were scheduled in addition to the matinees that were already on the publicity.  The performers were doing several hours of high-energy routines and demanding moves.  Not once did I see any reduction in zeal or effort from them, even though they must have been exhausted! Even once all shows were sold out and a waiting list opened, hopefuls still arrived each night in case they might somehow be squeezed in at the last minute.

All of a sudden everyone was talking about the show, positive and impressed.  I lost count of how often people mistook it for some international company passing through Zimbabwe on tour.  When I explained that the company had been based for the last 20 years or so +/- 10 mins drive from the theatre they were amazed.  I love being able to educate others on the talent that is inherent in Bulawayo and on the benefit of looking beyond your immediate circle to see what's out there.