A new theatre production in Zimbabwe is stirring fresh debate over proposed constitutional amendments that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The country has a long history of politically charged theatre, where artists have often faced bans or arrests for challenging authority. Against this backdrop, actor and director Daves Guzha is once again using the stage to confront power.
His latest production, Bodo, directly tackles the proposed amendments, questioning the extension of presidential tenure and why such a major change has not been put to a public vote. Guzha said his motivation is rooted in both personal history and present concerns.
“I’m a child of war, and my expression began very early,” he explained. “Seeing what the current government is trying to do… I felt it was time to reflect the wishes of the people.”
The play arrives at a politically sensitive time, with reports of opposition figures being arrested or attacked for criticizing the proposed reforms. Despite the pressure, Guzha and his team say they remain committed to using theatre as a space for public dialogue.
Playwright Norbert Fero said the urgency of the issue compelled him to take part. “This is an important national conversation,” he noted, adding that artists have a responsibility to raise awareness about the amendment bill.
For Guzha, the role of the arts becomes even more vital in such moments. “When everything else fails in a society, the arts must rise to the occasion,” he said, warning that a disconnect between storytellers and society signals deeper problems.
Performed as a one-man show, Bodo draws on Ngano, blending it with modern sound and visual design to create an immersive theatrical experience. Through this fusion, Guzha aims not just to entertain, but to spark reflection and conversation.
As Zimbabwe faces a potentially significant constitutional shift, productions like Bodo underscore the enduring power of the arts to question authority and amplify public voices.
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