By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Screen and stage actress Eunice Tava says her portrayal of Mbuya Nehanda, in the upcoming film of the same title is spiritual.
The award-winning Tava plays the lead role of Mbuya Nehanda whose spirit manifested in Mbuya Charwi.
In an interview with Gem Nation News, Tava said the role was like no other roles she ever played.
“For starters, it was very difficult for me to act in that role because when I researched I couldn’t not find pointers as to what she did during the time.
“There is really little detail out there so when I was approached to do a monologue it took me time to do it because I come from a Christian background and the story of Mbuya Nehanda was not talked about much.
“However, I gathered enough courage and I told myself that I am an actress and eventually when I set out to do it I confess my portrayal of Mbuya Nehanda was spiritual, I felt it within me,” she said.
“I know I don’t look like Mbuya Nehanda but then I had to cut my hair and be as natural as I could possibly get to match the role but in the end it was all worth it.”
Tava also hinted at the professionalism exhibited by the cast and crew during the shoot of the movie which is centered on Mbuya Nehanda trial which led to her hanging between 1896 and 1898.
Major Special Matarirano who is one of the writers and producers said the movie takes people back to the days of Mbuya Nehanda in detail.
“One of the things that we achieved is depth. We used the original court docket that was used during Mbuya Nehanda trial.
“The film follows a story of Nehanda and the spirit that manifested in Mbuya Charwi Nyakasikana,” he said.
The film is due out at the unveiling of Mbuya Nehanda statue along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.
The film comes from the makers of acclaimed film Gonarezhou which is against wildlife poaching.
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