Danai Gurira challenges African playwrights to create bold new works in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, Danai Gurira has dedicated herself to uplifting African playwrights through an initiative she co-founded known as Almasi Collaborative Arts. Since its inception in 2011, this organization has been a pivotal platform for artists, particularly through the African Playwrights Conference, which began in 2015. More than 500 artists have benefited from workshops conducted by Gurira and a range of guest professionals from the US, fostering a vibrant creative community. The conference serves as Almasi's flagship event, promoting skills development and collaboration among writers, directors, and actors in the theatre sector. Over the years, it has resulted in the development of around 20 new plays, showcasing the talent emerging from Zimbabwe's burgeoning theatre scene. Gideon Jeph Wabvuta, a notable playwright and program coordinator for Almasi, emphasized the conference's role in fostering excitement around theatre in Zimbabwe, particularly following the launch of an Outstanding Playwright category in the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe awards. Despite the enthusiasm and innovation within this artistic community, challenges remain—especially regarding financial support for playwrights seeking to make theatre their profession. Wabvuta noted the industry's struggle to retain talent, while also stating that seeing artists evolve and enhance their craft is tremendously rewarding. The workshops promote a culture where ideas and talent can flourish, providing a space for writers to explore their creativity thoroughly. This initiative is particularly crucial for Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape, which has historically been underfunded. Following a long hiatus, Almasi staged its first full production, *Family Riots*, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, highlighting a renewed focus on local narratives and storytelling. The choice of the gallery for this production was strategic, aimed at attracting an audience that may not typically attend theatre performances. The success of *Family Riots* demonstrates the power of collaboration in theatre and the importance of diversifying audience experiences. Almasi aims to engage further with local businesses and embassies to spearhead a transformative era for Zimbabwe's entertainment industry. The ongoing efforts of Gurira and her colleagues signify a commitment to nurturing talent and building a sustainable framework for future generations of playwrights. They aspire to create a legacy metaphorically referred to as building a 'house of stone' in Zimbabwe—signifying resilience, permanence, and cultural richness, while addressing the barriers to funding and professional growth that many artists face. The importance of the Almasi initiative within the broader context of Zimbabwe's cultural scene underscores the necessity of supporting the arts and fostering an environment where Zimbabwean stories can be told authentically and powerfully, resonating both locally and globally.