Production images are released ahead of the world premiere of Mufaro Makubika’s delicate, witty and epic new play Malindadzimu at Hampstead Downstairs. Directed by Monique Touko and featuring Shyko Amos, Kudzai Mangombe, Sifiso Mazibuko, Tendai Humphrey Sitima and Natasha Williams, Malindadzimu officially opens on Thursday 23 September and runs until 30 October 2021. Tickets are on sale here.
Set in Nottingham and Zimbabwe, Malindadzimu, explores a mother and daughter’s search for belonging, their struggle with a multicultural heritage, and a haunting history that they cannot ignore. Malindadzimu, (“Hill of the Ancestral Spirits”) is situated in the Matobo National Park in south-west Zimbabwe. It is considered to be a sacred place by locals. Controversially, Cecil John Rhodes is buried on the summit of Malindadzimu.
“Have you ever felt, like, lost. And then something pulls you, finds you, calls you. Like it’s been looking for you? Only you alone”
For Faith and her teenage daughter Hope, it seems as though growing up inevitably means growing apart. So, Faith makes the drastic decision to move the family back to her native Zimbabwe to start over. It’s home for her but not for Hope – at least, not on the surface… Will the powers that have drawn them back to their roots help them find each other – and themselves?
Malindadzimu is Mufaro Makubika’s second play following his critically acclaimed Shebeen (Nottingham Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East), which won the 2017 Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play. Malindadzimu is Makubika’s debut at Hampstead Theatre.
Monique Touko is making her professional directing debut at Hampstead Theatre with Malindadzimu. She is joined by designer Zoë Hurwitz; lighting designer Matt Haskins and sound designer Max Pappenheim.
Malindadzimu will remain with reduced capacity and social distancing for the duration of its run. In the event of the production being postponed, audiences can choose between a full refund or credit to be used for future Hampstead productions.
