NEWSLETTER | The Validity Of Dreams
I was also encouraged by the outcome of our workshops, the obvious transformations and unexpected innovations that came to pass for both the American and the Zimbabwean alike. One very thrilling development was the translation of an August Wilson scene into Shona. I find that exchange of language and story an exciting concept and think it will give so many more Zimbabweans an opportunity to hear the words of American and Western greats. Currently we are seeking to begin our Play Reading series, where more Shona translations will be showcased. Do consider contributing to the play readings, they are an amazing tool for dramatic literacy and the development of actors and playwrights alike. Tinotenda!
I got an email today from one of my favorite Zimbabwean Artists. Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi (affectionately called TafBob by many, a meshing of his African and Western names) is a face I am sure you all know well by now if you have received our newsletters, browsed our website or looked at our e - blasts. He has been a part of almost every Almasi workshop, production and staged reading we have conducted. I met him several years ago, he was in the graduating class of my dear friend Craig Peter’s acting course. I taught him there and was immediately drawn to his spirit, his adoration of the craft, his deep desire to learn, to grow - to be the best he could be. His energy was infectious and I could always rely on him to go above and beyond. It was from meeting people like him, people who come from hard and disadvantaged backgrounds - but who are determined to grow to their fullest potential in this most precarious of fields - that led me to start giving back and bringing access to the Zimbabwean artist. That type of commitment and talent deserved support and opportunity.
Now, for that email. TafBob is about to make a great trek. From Zimbabwe to America. He was accepted to a year long program at Del’ Arte International School of Physical Theater in Blue Lake California and with the help of a fellowship he pursued and Almasi support along with several other well wishers, he is set to arrive Stateside in late September. His email today was particularly touching. Because in true Tafbob fashion, he was humble and deeply thankful. But he was also battling with something: fear. He spoke of how he was not going let it conquer him, but of how he was scared to actually arrive on this soil he has seen from afar for so long; that land of opportunity and access. But he also said, “Once again, thanks much for your investment, I will die making sure that you will never regret it” And I believe him.
The goals of Almasi are more than met through this pending exchange. We celebrate this opportunity coming into existence, we celebrate the chance Tafbob now has to go further and have his talents nurtured and showcased in a global arena. We celebrate this, and encourage him to walk right through that fear and on to that plane. We will meet and support him on the other side. We here in America can sometimes take for granted how deeply sought the opportunities we have here are by those in other parts of the world. How much our infrastructures and systems are envied by those who do not get to see their abilities developed to their fullest. I hope to have you get to know Tafbob a bit more on his journey, which we will document, and I hope that keeps us all investing in seeing to it that the unheard voice gets a chance to be amplified | CONTINUE READING
A Zimbabwean Actor Speaks...
THE VALIDITY OF DREAMS
August 20th 2014 by Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi
I discovered at a very tender age that I had the ability to actually tell stories and change people`s lives. From that time I struggled to find the right medium to use to tell these stories. I tried different ones: the pen, the voice, the brush but still I could not find the “right satisfaction” that I longed for. Through time, I found that my body was my perfect medium. I started using it and bang! All the “right satisfaction” came. The next mission was to find the right ground and the water and manure to help nature, strengthen, and deepen this seed. Some of the first few drops of water were poured by my friend and mentor, more like a brother really, Mr Patrice Naiambana of Tribal soul arts. (He is a sierra Leonean who is based in the United Kingdom). He came to Zimbabwe in 2011.
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An American Actor Speaks...
ANDRE HOLLANDS' THOUGHTS
August 16th 2014 by Andre Holland
When Danai first approached me to lead a Shakespeare and August Wilson acting workshop in Zimbabwe, I was equal parts thrilled and terrified. My career thus far involved mostly working as an actor, and my teaching experience was minimal. In preparation, I scoured through all my old acting notes and brushed up on the eight plays we would cover in class. More than anything, I wanted our group of actors to feel and function like a true ensemble in our two weeks together. It was vital that every person feel empowered, speak their mind, and make bold choices while also supporting the work of their comrades. Though I was asked to teach this workshop, it became quite clear that I would be learning a great deal myself. Shakespeare was a real challenge for us.
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Video Blog
American Actor Nyambi Nyambi’s acting workshop was wonderfully documented by our visiting intern Rohan Cutlip, an aspiring actor based in the DC area. Do check out his video blog of the Intensive | WATCH VIDEO
Nyambi Nyambi is an Almasi Board of Trustee Member and the facilitator of Almasi's latest Actors Intensive Training.
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