Theatre in the Bush
When
thinking of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia various images
come to mind. Lions. Elephants. Leopards. Trees. Theatre. Theatre?
South
Luangwa National Park, celebrated for its abundance of wildlife, is now
a destination for cultural attractions as well. A small group of actors
from the villages surrounding the Park have created a vibrant blend of
traditional song and dance, puppetry, physical theatre and storytelling.
The group is Seka, which means 'to laugh' in the local language.
These are
people for whom living with wild animals is a daily reality. They care
about the natural resources that surround them and believe in educating
their peers to conserve wildlife.
Seka is headed up by Miranda Guhrs and
Msatero Tembo. Miranda is the granddaughter of the late conservationist
Norman Carr
–
whose legacy is the South Luangwa National Park. She has grown up in the
area and is fluent in the local language. Msatero Tembo started out as a
small time actor in dusty Chipata town and was
‘discovered’
by South African Company Theatre for Africa. He has since toured
Europe, Africa and the United States three times over with various
productions. The team of actors are a diverse group of people from
single mothers to reformed poachers to royalty in line to the
chieftainship throne. They have enchanted audiences in villages and at
international environmental conferences.
And they
could be performing for you! Book now!
Kusanga
- a tale of family, animals and life’s
lessons. A man teaches his niece the ways of old and how to gain wisdom
and understanding by observing the animals, trees, insects and birds of
the bush that surround them. The child learns lessons from the cunning
honey badger and honey-guide team, from the optimistic dung beetle, the
patient heron, the stubborn warthog and many many more!
Want to invest in the people of South Luangwa? Buy a performance of Seka's HIV/AIDS awareness play. For just $200 the group will perform to
an audience of more than 200 people on the importance of knowing your
status, and protecting against infection.
Now you too will get a chance to see this group in
action! A must see for anyone visiting this beautiful Valley!
