Danai Gurira Instagram – “The thing about the golden ages of theater is, that they never last and we never know when we’re in one. You’re in one and you’re in one at the start. Take advantage of it and lean into it. It’s by talking to each other in that honest, real voice that you start to hold up a mirror to your own culture and country; that’s what makes it translate to the rest of the world and that’s what makes the rest of the world sit up and take notice.“ — Oskar Eustis
I love this statement. It’s incredible. And I felt it deeply during our 12th year of programming in 2024. Zimbabwe has entered its Golden Age of theater.
We here at Almasi seek to allow African artists a platform to reach their fullest potential through education, access, and opportunity. Our collaboration with American artists and artistic institutions was deeply realized this year. With three incredible American artists visiting Zimbabwe, including Oskar Eustis, the head of the renowned Public Theater, we were able to bring invaluable training and opportunity while nurturing the talent of the next great global storytellers. While also building new audiences and local support for the arts.
Some highlights of the year are:
– Creative Director for the Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, joined us for our annual Playwrights Conference, which resulted in the staged readings of 5 new Zimbabwean plays.
– Tony Award Winner for Best Costume Design in a Play (Eclipsed), Clint Ramos, led artists through a Production Design Workshop.
– Gideon Wabvuta’s “Family Riots” came alive on the stage in a full-scale production that was co-directed by French-American director Lucie Tiberghien and Zimbabwean director Makomborero Theresa Muchemwa.
In 2024 we kicked off our golden age of theater and we are just getting started. Almasi Arts is entering a new phase of production, training, and international exchange which will match the incredible moment we are in. Don’t miss out, see how you can support this new era of African voices. Visit http://AlmasiArts.org to learn more. Thank you to all who continue to support this mission.
Happy New Year from all of us at #AlmasiCollaborativeArts! | Posted on 01/Jan/2025 06:36:21
