Chisiza’s ‘Semo’ play back on stage January 16
Nothing can silence a strong and will-hearted man. Nothing can veil the truth and nothing can kill creative work of the genius, and that is the warning the nation gets when politics tried to stand on the play Semo (Mose) last December.
But, one month after, Semo a play written Thlupego Chisiza and slained university student Robert Chasowa caused mayhem when police stopped Lions Theatre Company on its tracks during a premiere of the play at Nanzikambe in Naperi, later alone, arresting Chisiza for fear of the play’s reprisal- it has bounced back.
He was arrested and charged for not sending the script to the Censorship Board and pleaded guilty which earned him a K5,000 fine.
The son of late theatre maestro Dunduzu Chisiza Jr, Thlupego, says he is restaging the play this time at bigger venue and with more hype.
It’s on Monday January 16, 2012 (public holiday) when theatre lovers will throng Robins Park in Jamba to glance the re-launch of the theatrical masterpiece, Semo, directed by Chisiza himself.
Semo is a story set in an imaginary kingdom called Kwayera Kwacha kingdom which was being led by a king. He was once loved by many people and was therefore nicknamed as “Moses“.
And according to Chisiza the play is biblically inspired.
“This name was inspired by the very biblical character of Moses, who led the children of Israel from the slavery of the Pharaohs in Egypt, towards the Promised Land. Similarly, this courageous King did transform Kwayera Kwacha from the doldrums of poverty towards the path of prosperity.
“After a few years, the king unbelievably transformed from a zero corruption tolerant kind of a person to a Mr. Know it all, a dictator and a reckless leader. As if that wasn’t enough, he undemocratically imposed his “not loved and infamous brother” to succeed him,” said Chisiza of the script .
He says Semo centres on one big-headed ruler who was veiled in bad governance and plunged the kingdom to hunger, fuel shortage, lack of forex, drugs in hospitals which attracted vigils and protests by the common people. Many died but that didn’t tame the king’s stubbornness.
It further raises question with the big one screams “Will King Chiphaliwali survive the end of his regime? Let’s follow this play and predict!”.
