Times are hard for many organisations in Zimbabwe and for LitFest, which started in Harare on Wednesday, the situation is just as tough.
Speaking at the official opening of the third edition of the annually held celebration of literature, Festival Director, Chirikure Chirikure, revealed that they are running the organisation on empty.
“LitFest is being stirred by a team of five. All of us are doing it voluntarily. We are not on any salaries,” said Chirikure Chirikure.
As difficult as it may seem, the organisers have not let the shortage of resources kill their dream of facilitating writing, speaking and inspiring using literature, as highlighted by their theme this year: “We write, We speak, We inspire.”
“One thing we have really learnt this year as a team is the power of partnerships, particularly local partnerships. As I have a said, we don’t have any institutional support but we have partners who have made this day possible,” Chirikure Chirikure told the gathering.
He thanked the list of partners that include Africalia, Pamberi Trust, Great Zimbabwe University, Amakhosi Cultural Centre, Zimbabwe German Society and Theatre in the Park, where most of the events on the programme are being hosted.
The official opening was lit up by a moving performance by Philani A Nyoni (P.A.N). Filled with emotion and passion, his one man play, Diary of Madness,’ tore into the current economic and political situation in Zimbabwe and ended off with him repeatedly quoting Acie Lumumba’s famous f*ck you statement directed at President Mugabe.
The festival is continues today (December 2, 2016) with events both at the University of Zimbabwe and Theatre in the Park.
Highlights today include discussions on the novel as a cultural resource and screen adaptations of literary work.
At 1430hrs, comedians Doc Vikela and Michael K will talk about how to write funny.
Grace Mutandwa takes the stage at 1500hrs and will talk about what the re-establishment of PEN Zimbabwe means for members.
Margaret Chinowatiwa remembers Chenjerai Hove, with her presentation at 1520hrs, titled Empty Chair. Yesterday, one of the events on the programme commemorated three other Zimbabwean writers; Yvonne Vera, Freedom Nyamubaya and Alexander Kanengoni.
Then at 1545hrs there will be a presentation on writing for film by experienced filmmaker, Nakai Matema.
The day ends off with a stand up comedy show featuring Bob Nyabinde, Doc Vikela, Michael K, Madzitatiguru, Andrew Manyika and some students from Great Zimbabwe University.
