HE believes art is life and insists
he won’t give in to detractors.
Fifteen
years into the industry, he has done well and has high hopes for Zollyhood.
The
dedicated arts practitioner, TICHAONA MUTORE (TM) is determined to take Zollyhood to another level without
shame.
H-Metro’s
LATWELL NYANGU (LN) caught up with
the actor-cum-director and he opened up on these and other issues. Read on…
LN: Tell us your brief background?
TM: I
am a performing artist who can act, dance, direct and write but I mainly focus
on acting. I joined the industry for the first time in 2000.
Then,
I wasn't active because I was engaged by Irvine Chitehwe, who was running a theatre
company called Masters of Dances and Theatre Company.
After
that experience, I then moved to Shooting Stars, which was operating fulltime
and that's where I received most of my formal training including
dances and acting.
LN: How did you make your breakthrough?
TM:
What happened was that at Shooting Stars there was Patrick Tembo who worked
with my uncle John Banda (late) who starred in Gringo's series.
Having
worked with Irvine, I then engaged these guys where I received training and
even went as far as Bulawayo.
Irvine
was working with older people whilst Patrick dealt with youngsters so, I joined
his trade at Shooting Stars. From there, I worked with Daniel Maposa, the
director of Savanna Trust and there, I received intensive training on stage
performance and directing.
During
that time, that’s when I had my debut as a young artist in a first production
called The Decades of Terror.
At
Savanna, I was involved at professional level and I received training from Leonard
Matsa who was helping me with the intellect side rather than the creative one.
LN: Explain further?
TM:
I then left Savana in 2008 before I joined Patsime Trust and with all
these organizations, it was value addition, I was growing.
I
joined Patsime Trust as a student since they had a programme they were running
together with MSU-Performing arts professional programme and I was part of
the few youths who were selected for that programme, which was initiated by Jasen
Mphepo and James Jingo
At
Patsime, that's where I dug into professional working and get to know all the
nitty-gritties on what theatre is, writing, directing, acting is.
I
got a certification of recognition from MSU for film and theatre and I was then
employed by Patsime Trust in 2009 as a Field Officer who was in charge of
creating productions and programming at a field offices level.
I
was later promoted to Field Supervisor and further to a programmes officer.
Jasen
Mphepo has been a mentor as he always say, the ‘seed has to be better than the
fruit’ and up to now, it’s a challenge to me. When I was at Patsime I worked
with Tawanda Maguze and he also mentored me where I learnt a lot in programming
skills.
I
then left Patsime in 2012 and up to now I am a freelancer.
LN: Tell us some of the projects you
have done up to date?
TM:
I have been doing stage and TV and my debut projects was The Decades of Terror followed by Silent words at HIFA 2008, The Maids last year and I was the best male
theatre actor nominated by NAMA and then this year I did Water Games with Paradise Gardens Production based in Germany in
partnership with ZGS.
LN: Carry on?
TM:
I started by doing bit parts for Studio 263 as a group since I was with
Shooting Stars. I took part in Suburb D with Patsime, Paradzai, Pfuma of which some of these I was doing art directing.
I
also did On The Money with Mighty
Movies, Umguzi with ZBC, I also did a
Ndebele production with ZBC again called Ezakomkaka.
We will also be shooting a production in August which is still in post-production
On
radio, I worked with Mopane Junction in a project called Action Pals produced
by the late King Dube and it was initiated by LoveJoy Maoneka. I also
worked with Rooftop Promotions where I did What
they see What they got and it was taken on a tour in Mash Central.
I
also did All Systems out of Order, Verses by Vettori Entertainment. I also
did Midnight Conundru s and last
month I was in a play No Good Friday
I
think artistic wise that's it because I also worked as a programmes manager,
artistic liaison, art director for films assisted on skills by Wilfred Chikiza.
LN: Apart from this industry what
else do you do for a living?
TM:
I am a community developer and project manager. I am starting my Masters degree
in Project Management with the University of Salford in partnership with
Property Kennedy College.
I
have been working with kids in schools for example St Peters where I could
discuss with them capacity buildings in theatre and life skills.
I
also worked with Almasi Collaborative Arts and I was part of their stage
readings
LN: What really drives you?
TM:
I am passionate about art and my philosophy is art is life
LN: Did you take part in any
related activities while at school?
TM:
Yes, I was part of the traditional dancing group in Grade 3 and I was one of
the best dancers at Kuwangira Primary School in Highfield.
LN: What kind of support did you
get from your parents?
TM:
When I was young, I had no challenges but when I said I wanted to do this
professionally, I started to face hurdles like my mother wanted me to be an IT
expert and my father had hopes of me being an economist since I did economics at O Level just for a term and
I passed it.
LN: And you did not follow your
parents’ dreams to pursue yours?
TM:
Yes, I pursued what I wanted to do because I believe art is my life. Just look
at me, do I look poor, or someone who is suffering. I know a lot of people say ma
artists anoshaya but I beg to differ on that, our job is unique although some
are driven by ego that we are stars.
For
instance, my young brother is a chartered accountant and if he finishes an
audit there is no need for him to go around telling me all what he had done.
So
as for me, there is no need to be pompous, it’s just like any other job, stay
humble and do away with the diva mentality.
LN: So how can you describe your
experience in as far as professional art is concerned?
TM:
Professional art is challenging considering that we have economic challenges
and our industry is still growing.
But
all those challenges do not mean you have to stand down, you face a temporary
defeat you have to stand up, that’s not failure, and you keep going. For you,
to get somewhere you start from somewhere.
LN: Was there any moment that you
contemplated quitting?
TM:
Yes, and quitting is a testing period. Like I said, this is still a growing
industry and not anything is rosy and you will not get anything on a silver
platter.
You
have to prove yourself on stage and at the same time you have to be grateful
with the attitude you carry with others around you.
LN: How have you managed to surpass
your competitors?
TM:
Attitude is what make you grow and make people want to work with you, no matter
how good you are but if you have an attitude that sucks, they would prefer to
work with someone who has a good attitude.
Personally,
I don’t compete with anyone, I believe in creativity and I operate at a
creative level rather than a competitive level. Through the creative realm you
tend to integrate with others instead of getting scared of someone.
LN: From your point of view how
would you describe the art industry in Zimbabwe?
TM:
This is still a growing industry since we are starting from a different point compared
to other countries.
I
wouldn’t want to compare our industry with Hollywood but it’s up to us to
really keep this passion and always envy for greatness.
It
also should come with proper legislation so that we get better recognition but
we are getting there. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and it
should be known that it’s a growing industry.
LN: Looking at status quos, are we
in the right track?
TM:
I believe we are in the right track, off course we make mistakes here and there,
sometimes we get lost along the way and sometimes the cake is so small to an
extend we scramble for it but as we grow we are learning to create
opportunities for ourselves.
LN: How would you want to market Zimbabwe’s
film industry beyond the borders?
TM:
It speaks for itself that’s the beauty about the industry because Zimbabweans
have plenty of artistic talent. Look at me, I am currently working on a
production that is Germany based and they emulate the local talent, they are
actually amazed by us.
LN: Are there any loopholes that
you think need urgent attention to boost the industry?
TM:
Looking at a global level, we need specific policies and legislation that
guides the industry. And by so doing, we will have people flocking to colleges
who would have the focus to venture into the industry.
We
will also have an industry that will employ real professionals and people will
be taking us seriously as important people. Arts people are crucial in society
because they speak, reflect on the community issues.
LN: It seems, the donor community has
turned its back on this industry of late, what could be the reasons behind
that?
TM:
Some of these reasons are beyond the theatre industry, but I think it’s the
economy and some issues. Donors’ desertion has nothing to do with the fact that
we are not good artists but it’s beyond our control.
LN: Would you recommend anyone to
join you in this industry despite the challenges?
TM:
Yes, especially the young and enthusiastic, they only need to add with
academics.
LN: How have you managed to do away
with the notions that artists marombe?
TM:
They used to be those sayings that actors are poor but if I am to push it,
actors are on top of the chain because I have been everywhere to interrogate
issues that affect the societies. So we are link of every sector.
LN: Is it worth it to be a public
figure In Zimbabwe?
TM:
Yeah, sort of it’s worth it. You only have to be a role model, be humble.
I
don’t mind what people say when they see me walking, I am who I am and I love
my job.
An
artist is also a unique teacher but the problem only comes when you have a diva
mentality but do your job and live your life.
LN: Being on screens leaves a lot
to be desired, temptations to be specific, have you faced any?
TM:
There are lots of temptations some of them you will overcome and others you can
fail because we are humans.
LN: What’s your advice on handling fame?
TM:
I believe in what I do and some would want to disagree but when I speak of fame
let me bring the word life, just live your life and don’t try to be someone
else.
The
best thing just be you and there are many guys who have made it but they are
just humble. Surprisingly someone who is still yet to make it do make noise. We
just need to control ourselves.
LN: How do you see yourself in the
next five years?
TM:
Entities will be running because I have a lot of projects that I have outlined.
Currently, I am a director of a developmental organisation which was founded by
Tendai Maduwa called Awake Zimbabwe Trust and I also want to acknowledge
Givemore Nyamuchiva who has been supporting me throughout.
LN: Thank you Tichaona for your
time, all the best.
LN:
You are welcome Latwell.
For
feedback: nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com
0774186242
-HMETRO
