Easter Theatre Festival Returns with Diverse Lineup and New Venue

The annual Easter Theatre Festival is set to take place from April 25 to 27, featuring a diverse lineup of local and international performers. This year's event will be held at two venues: Alliance Francaise de Blantyre and M-Cinema.

Festival Coordinator and Solomonic Peacocks Director, McArthur Matukuta, expressed excitement about the lineup, which includes eight international acts and ten local drama groups. "Alliance Francaise de Blantyre has always been our venue, and we are still there this year. Additionally, we will be utilizing M-Cinema for the Comedy Delight Show," Matukuta stated.

Among the international artists is South African comedian and actor Kedibone Mulaudzi, who is eager to entertain audiences in Malawi for the first time. "In South Africa, comedy is huge, and I know Malawi is getting there. I hope to meet the Mulaudzis in Malawi," he remarked. This year's festival will also showcase performances from two local comedians, five local poets, and five dance groups.

Notable local acts include Kwathu Drama Group, Nzeka Arts, YDC Theatre, Young Travellers, Upile Drama Group, Emancipation Theatrical Ensemble, Women in Theatre, and Arts Sustainability Lab. The theme for this year's festival, "Celebrate Culture through Theatre," is part of a project titled "Enhancing Sustainable Theatre Development," supported by the Copyright Society of Malawi and other partners.

Comedians Mr. Jokes and Ching'aning'ani have been named the faces of the festival. As the countdown to the Easter Theatre Festival begins, excitement is building for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity in Malawi's performing arts scene.