Bilimankhwe Arts has commissioned award-winning poet Jack Mapanje to write a new play, which we hope to present both in Malawi and the UK. Called The President's Tobacco, the first three scenes were presented at the Young Vic as part of International PEN's Free the Word Festival, in April.

British Council Malawi

Thanks to the support of Arts Council England, British Council Malawi and the Gibbs Family Foundation, the renowned Malawian poet is working on what will be an important new work exploring democracy and freedom.

The research and development phase, funded by Arts Council England and the Commonwealth Foundation, was called After Mikuyu. The piece was named after the notoriously harsh prison where Jack Mapanje was held for more than three and a half years and which has influenced his creative work since.

Directed by Kate Stafford and Dominic Burdess, the company of 9 performers, 6 from Malawi and 3 from the UK, spent three weeks of intense exploration and rehearsal which culminated in an exhilarating performance at Oval House Theatre in London.

click for production photos

 

Reviews of the work-in-progress:

"absolutely brilliant ... no wonder there were gasps from the audience ... a highly physical piece of theatre that combines traditional Malawian song and dance with savage, laughing satire reminiscent of Joan Littlewood's Oh! What a Lovely War and Brecht. ... there is such freshness and vibrancy here. At barely an hour long and presented as work-in-progress, it far outstrips many finished theatre pieces." - Carole Woddis, Rogues and Vagabonds

"Full of music and humour, After Mikuyu did not disappoint" - Chakuchanya Harawa, BBC World Service Radio

"a satirical triumph ... always energetic and attention-grabbing" - Ursula Strauss, Culture Wars

"a classic and a beauty to watch. It is full of music, humour and charm - a celebration ... the music drama performance brought in the rich Malawi culture, tradition and dance and was so original. More importantly it gives a strong message - NEVER AGAIN - should we accept to be tamed, to be abused, to be subjected to inhuman conditions, to be taken for granted" - Watipso Mkandawire, MalawiTalk

"a brilliant piece of work, I enjoyed every minute of it" - Jack Mapanje

Audience reactions:

"A very fresh approach to the issue ... wonderful - a lot of humour in a very serious story"

"a very impressive performance"

"absolutely wonderful ... a very very moving play"

Phase I (Work-in-Progress) Funded by:

Arts CouncilCommonwealth Foundation

Reviews of previous productions by Kate Stafford:


“thrilling, uplifting and touching” - Malawi News “the cast was superb and the production marvellous” - The Nation (The African Hamlet)
“African Macbeth steals hearts” - Malawi News “ ... theatre fans will live to remember this brilliant production” - The Nation (African Macbeth)
“one of the funniest afternoons in the theatre ... left the audience rolling with laughter” - The Daily Times (Wakutsina Khutu)
“A Wonder ... right from the word go it was mirth, music, drums intrigue and ecstasy” - Malawi News (An African Dream)