Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
HWANGE-based playwright Lawrence Moyo, popularly known as “the Penpusher,” is using theatre and short films to highlight and preserve Zimbabwean cultural values for future generations.
Moyo’s work focuses on celebrating local traditions and everyday life, ensuring Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage is captured through storytelling. His productions often involve young people, who he sees as crucial to sustaining the Nambya culture of Matabeleland North Province.
“We tell a lot of stories using various themes. These are stories of how people live and interact on a day to day basis. We use ordinary means to tell extraordinary stories in our community,” he said.
In a multilingual society like Hwange, the works done by the playwright are a story of a futuristic nature, hence the involvement of young people in many productions.
“I love involving young people because we want to ensure that what we create is immortalised. These young minds are going to take what we are currently doing forward and I am confident that Nambya culture is safe,” Moyo said.
In a country, which seeks recognition of all its cultures, Zimbabwe has 16 official languages which inform the basis of its creative arts.
