Three Plays for Schools edited by Irene Staunton

This anthology provides the student with three rather different plays. Though them the student can learnt to appreciate the nuances of character, the development of plot, the drama of action, the vitality of dialogue, and the twists which help to move a story forward.

Stephen Chifunyise’s play, The Past is the Future is a deceptively simple play set in the living room of a flat in Harare. It nonetheless both directly and indirectly raises a number of significant moral or social issues and ethical questions.

Through the rich and complex lives of Ndaka and Magi – sisters who work at Ingwe Safari Camp – Cactus Flower by Virginia Jekanyika aptly captures how entrepreneurship and solidarity can emancipate women from poverty and superstition. This intriguing play offers us a glimpse of the pitfalls as well as opportunities in the Zimbabwean tourism industry.

The Colour of Dreams by Chris Mlalazi is essentially a comedy. The economy of the country has collapsed, taking with it the dreams of its inhabitants. However, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon in the form of a ‘classified’ rumour that takes on a life of its own. The play also suggests that we consider the idea of trust. Who can one believe? In whom or what do we put our faith? Does the idea of reward lead us to betray others?

Three Plays for Schools offers the readers much to debate and discuss, from the serious to the comedic, but always rich in dramatic effect. Though them they will gain an understanding of play-acting, the variousness of the theatrical performance while interactiing with real life issues and concerns.

ISBN: 978-1-77922-322-7