By Arts Correspondent
Harare – This weekend, Harare audiences are in for an electrifying theatrical experience as Almasi Collaborative Arts brings August Wilson’s Jitney to life in a staged reading at Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre on May 3rd, 2025.
Directed by award-winning actress and director Charmaine Mujeri, the reading features a dynamic ensemble of seasoned Almasi actors and rising stars: Michael Kudakwashe, Tanatswa Kumirai, Buhlebenkosi Chinhara, Musawenkosi Saruro, Boniface Chimedza, Takunda Chiposi, Tinevimbo Chimbetete, AneUnhu Gwatidzo, Ngonidzashe Chikowore, and Min’enhle Mguni.
Mujeri, known for her thoughtful and emotionally rich directorial work, expressed the relevance of Wilson’s work today.
“Jitney offers a powerful and timeless lens through which we can examine the multifaceted struggles of Black men – their search for identity and their determination to build lives within a system that often works against them,” said Mujera.
In keeping with Almasi’s evolving approach to dramatic development, the reading is preceded by an intensive two-day dramaturgical workshop.
This creative deep-dive brings together the cast, Mujeri, and a team of Almasi-trained directors, playwrights, and actors, led by Programs Coordinator Gideon Jeph Wabvuta.
Wabvuta, expressed his enthusiasm for revisiting August Wilson’s work, highlighting the familiar beauty of Wilson’s language and the relatable nature of his characters.
“It’s a joy to dive back into an August Wilson play; there is a beauty to his language that feels so familiar.
“I’m excited for the audience to watch this play because I know they will recognize these characters,” said Wabvuta.
Jitney, set in 1970s Pittsburgh, explores the lives of a group of Black men running an unlicensed taxi service in the face of economic hardship and impending gentrification.
As personal histories resurface and the pressure mounts, the play delivers Wilson’s signature blend of raw emotion, poetic dialogue, and social insight.
This staged reading is part of Almasi’s Dramatic Literacy Series—a cornerstone of the organization’s mission to grow dramatic excellence and uplift African narratives.
Founded by internationally acclaimed playwright and actress Danai Gurira, Almasi continues to serve as a vital platform for creative expression and cross-cultural exchange.
For theatre lovers and newcomers alike, this is more than just a staged reading—it’s a powerful encounter with legacy, language, and the human spirit.
