Bambelela Arts Ensemble - the arts group profile

Bambelela Arts Ensemble - Profile

Bambelela Arts Ensemble is a None-profit making Community based Theatre Organization constituted under “Common Law Universitas” to operate in accordance with the accepted legal principles and practices and in conformity with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Zimbabwe in order to achieve lawful objectives.

Speaking to the director, Witness Tavarwisa, who gave us the profile of the organisation,  It was then made known to us that ...

The Ensemble is made up of youths representing a broad range of groups and interests have worked together in a broad alliance concerning their common interest in Community Development and other related matters, The Ensemble was formed in response to an increasing demand in Zimbabwe for overt, organized support and comprehensive development delivery services. 

The Ensemble has a long standing history of activism on development which back dates to its inception on the 20th of June 1992 in Matshobana suburb, Bulawayo. Due to the success and progress made in the past and fact that the issues around which Bambelela Arts was formed continue to prevail, the individuals who have been involved have decided to take up the challenges of ongoing development work. For the Ensemble to function what matters most is not the number of followers it have but the ideological unity, mutual trust, understanding and solidarity of purpose which implements the organization's activities.

Vision

Excellence in our Business that provides best services and plays its appropriate role in overall Development.

Mission

Facilitate Community Development

Objectives

The principles of the Ensemble are:

1. To identify, nature , promote and support talent

2. To assist in alleviating poverty by influencing for the establishment and provision  of appropriate legal, effective and practical  policies that promote and maintain Community Development.

3. To nature and deepen public awareness and understanding around the issues of Development and related issues by inter-lia, providing accurate information to the media, general public and all organizations working towards social reform and transformation.

4. To encourage the government and other civic organizations to protect the marginalized communities and take an active stand.

5. To contribute to the national economy through theatre by creating employment opportunities and developing the Creative industry.

6. Encourage people’s participation in Socio-economic, political and cultural  transformation through Arts.

7. Provide a platform that promote young and adult literacy through edutainment (performances, discussions, seminars and workshops)

Activities

 The organization's activities vary from time to time due to the fact that they are at times based on the influence and needs of the community ( Community, Private, public Institutions and others service providers.) and they much characterized by Theatre performances, workshops, commissioned projects, Training on theatre and Story telling as a performance, Children's Projects aimed at identifying and nurturing their talents, boosting their self esteem, confidence and instill Ubuntu.

Training

The Ensemble is highly trained with a professional approach in its administration and Management, Theatre in Civic Education, Leadership and Management, Public Relations, Effective Arts Management, Business Management, Project Proposal appraisal, Basic to advanced theatre skills and techniques, Story telling as a Performance, Strategic Marketing, Civic Education.

Achievements

Group's Stability and consistency  Productions                To date the Ensemble has produced more than two dozens of high quality action packed theatre production and one film.

Theatre at workplace             

The Ensemble’s activities at workplace vary from one institution to another  and cuts across socio-economic issues that affects or promote and develop work spaces. We tailor make them to suit the clientele’s needs and satisfaction. We have worked with the following institutions too: Effective Management and Conflict Resolution with Gwanda Rural District Council 1995 – 1996, Wellness and HIV education at NRZ 1995 – 2000, ZIMRA 2015-2017, TelOne 2016- 2018 Festivals                Linkfest 95 -02, Hosted Masakhane Arts Festival 95, Harare international Festival of the Arts HIFA 2000 – 2007, Ibumba Arts Festival 2001 – 2015, Umzingwane AIDS Network 2000 - 2007, SADC Multi disciplinary Festival 2003 in South Africa, Abangane Arts Festival 2003 – 2007, Savanna Trust Community Arts Festivals, Patsime's BAFA 2008-2010., Great Zimbabwe Arts Festival 2008-2016,Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo 2005-16, Inxusa Arts Festival 2014, Hurungwe Arts Festival 2014 and Protest Arts International Festival 2014, City of Bulawayo 2000- 2018.

Awards

 First prize in the Provincial Level and Award winning at National level in the United Nations Development Programme's poverty Alleviation competitions, NAMA Nominee in the Best Theatre Production with By The Roadside in 2003., Best Actor category with Naison Dube in By The Roadside 2003, NAMA Award winners in Best Actor and Actress with Naison Dube and Nomalanga Sibanda. NAMA nominee in the Best actor category with Leonard Phiri in The Naked Truth 2004. Nominee in the Best Actress in 2008 with Nomalanga  Sibanda. NAMA 2009 Nomee in best Production with Silent Screams, Nominee in Best Actress 2009category with Nomalanga Sibanda and Best Actor2009 category with Josphat Ndlovu. Awarded by Amnesty International Zimbabwe for Championing HumanRights Through Theatre, Awarded by National Aids Council of Zimbabwe for Championing the fight against HIV/AIDS through theatre in 2015 and 2017.