SABELO Nyoni, manager for the Repertory Players, has said all is set for the presentation of their 804th production of William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra at the Reps Theatre in Harare beginning on May 14.
It runs up to May 24.
William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is an Ordinary Level IGCSC and Zimsec set book for Literature in English. The Repertory Players are on a drive to help the youth get entertained as well as gain a true imagery and better understanding of the medieval era written play, according to Nyoni.
Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra is a tragedy exploring the unbridled love affair between Roman general Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, set against the backdrop of political and military conflict in the Roman Republic. Their zealous relationship is put side by side with the drives and competitions of the triumvirate, leading to a tragic downfall for both lovers.
The Repertory Players' rendition features celebrated singer and musician Paintafresco, real name Tanatswa Kumirai, as Antony and veteran thespian Gugulethu Mpofu as Cleopatra. The play will be directed by Tadziyana D Bvumbe (David Bvumbe) and Zane E Lucas (Zane Lucas).
The former is an innovative director and theatre maker who specialises in classical texts with a bold contemporary vision. Zane Lucas is an award-winning actor and director who is popular for dynamic storytelling and striking stage compositions.
The play Antony and Cleopatra explores the conflict between personal desires and public obligations, highlighting how passionate love can undermine political ambitions and societal expectations.
Bvumbe, Lucas and their cast are set to thrill the audience with their formidable combinations, which prompts re-imaging of the tragic story of love, power struggles and political alliances, demonstrating how personal relationships can be exploited for political gain.
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“Mark Antony, a powerful leader, is captivated by Cleopatra, the alluring queen of Egypt and prioritises his love for her over his political duties. This leads to conflict with his fellow triumvirs, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus, as Antony spends time in Egypt neglecting Roman affairs. Antony's relationship with Cleopatra is seen as debauched and "un-Roman" by some Romans, fuelling tensions between him and Octavius,” the synopsis read.
“When Antony is summoned back to Rome due to political unrest and the death of his wife, Fulvia, he agrees to marry Octavius's sister to solidify their political alliance. This marriage enrages Cleopatra, exacerbating the already strained relationship with Antony.
The play culminates in a naval battle near Actium, where Antony and Cleopatra are defeated by Octavius. Antony's despair and a false report of Cleopatra's suicide leads him to take his own life. Cleopatra, facing the humiliation of being taken as a prisoner by Octavius, chooses suicide rather than surrender to her fate.”
Nyoni said the Reps Theatre, which was founded in 1931, is one of the most inclusive communal theatre societies and is committed to staging high-quality dramatic productions and nurturing theatrical talent. Reps Theatre in Belgravia, Harare, has been a trusted repository for cultural growth and development.
“The play shall be screened in the evenings from 6:30pm on May 14 to 16 and May 20 to 24, respectively, at the Reps Theatre in Harare. The play shall be screened from 2:30pm from May 17, 18 and 24. We are targeting school-going youth,” Nyoni said.
