A pastor, a politician and a vendor walk into the room, who tries to sell you something yet? The answer is revealed in These Humans Are Sick's opening scene. Spoiler alert: All 3 are already selling you something before they've said the first word.
Right from its beginning, in fact right from its set design - a true transformation of what the Jasen Mphepo Theatre usually is, the production makes it clear that this is a critique of Zimbabwean society. "These humans" are us, and while the play bounds on the ridiculous, it doesn't stray far from tabloid headlines.
The lives of five individuals are tied together by hopes and dreams for a better future. Yet each person is pulling in their own direction, while making use of one of the other characters to reach their ends. A politician, his wife, a young girl, a vendor and a pastor. As favours are traded, and sexual lives intertwined, the result is knotty provocation and ribald comedy that shines with great writing.
The dialogue brings the characters to life, with each having a distinct lexicon that feels natural. There are regular clever quips fuelled by urban wisdom, that are delivered with just the right tone to scratch even the most obstinate funny bone: "Faith is the food of the ghetto," "To receive is not to steal," and "It's going to cost an arm and private parts" to mention but a few.
In the telling of the story, the audience is not passive but occupies a role, or roles rather. The pendulum often swings from church congregant to rally attendant, as the actors make use of every inch of the theatre provided to them. The pain, struggle and exasperations of these characters are shaped to provide constant comedic relief.
The laughs never cease, even though the narrative is one closely related to reality. It is a reflection on the chaos of our existence, the decisions we make in return for dollar signs, sexual morality or a lack of it and the hopes each person has for a brighter future. A brilliant work of theatre.
These Humans Are Sick is one of 3 new African plays being showcased at Almasi Collaborative Arts' Africa Voices Now Festival. The play is written by Tatenda Mutyambizi, with Charmaine R. Mujeri as director and Danai Gurira as executive artistic director. It stars Michael Kudakwashe, Dalma Chiwereva, Ronald Sigeca, Tinevimbo Chimbete and Chiedza Matabuka.
You can watch a recap of Africa Voices Now Festival's Benefit Night and These Humans Are Sick showing below:
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