Staff Writer
Harare — The stage is set, the spotlight is ready, and the pulse of Zimbabwean theatre is beating louder than ever.
The Mitambo International Theatre Festival (MITF) returns this September, leaner in format but bursting with creative energy, daring performances, and global artistic voices.
Running from 11 to 13 September 2025 at the iconic Reps Theatre in Harare, this year’s festival comes under the theme “Redefine” — a bold invitation to rethink the boundaries of performance, purpose, and presence in the world of theatre.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, the festival has become one of the most anticipated cultural events on the Zimbabwean arts calendar, and 2025 is no exception. From provocative plays and cross-border collaborations to dynamic discussions and masterclasses, MITF is not just a festival — it’s a cultural movement.
“This year’s theme, ‘Redefine,’ speaks to the very heart of what theatre must do today — challenge, transform, and imagine new futures,” says Festival Executive Director Lloyd Nyikadzino.
“We’ve curated a programme that is bold, beautiful, and fiercely relevant. We want audiences to experience theatre not just as entertainment, but as reflection, resistance, and renaissance.”
Theatre That Speaks to the Soul
MITF 2025 is unapologetically international in its scope, bringing together voices from across the globe to share the stage — and the spotlight.
From Spain comes “Fragments of Princess”, a hauntingly poetic visual production that weaves memory, identity, and womanhood into a dreamlike tapestry of performance.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s own Zandezia delivers a hard-hitting physical theatre piece that interrogates justice, power, and survival in a fragile world.
From South Africa, the searing production “Makwerekwere” offers an urgent and emotional exploration of migration, xenophobia, and the search for belonging in a post-apartheid landscape. It’s a raw and riveting narrative that resonates deeply across the continent.
Beyond the Stage: Conversations and Collaborations
More than a showcase of performance, MITF is a platform for dialogue. The festival will host workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, bringing together artists, scholars, students, and cultural leaders to reflect on the power of theatre in shaping society.
Whether it’s discussing theatre as a tool for education, community-building, or social advocacy, these sessions promise to push boundaries and spark new ideas.
“For emerging artists, MITF is a masterclass in global creativity. For audiences, it’s a chance to see the world through the lens of performance. And for academics, it’s a living archive of artistic practice,” says Nyikadzino.
A Festival Fueled by Partnerships
The 2025 edition is made possible through generous support from Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, the European Union, and a range of local and international partners.
Their backing not only enables the festival to thrive but also underscores the role of cultural diplomacy and artistic collaboration in building sustainable creative economies.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our partners and sponsors,” Nyikadzino said.
“Their commitment proves that the arts are not just about entertainment — they are about empowerment, exchange, and evolution.”
The Countdown Begins
With just weeks to go, excitement is mounting. For theatre lovers, creatives, and curious culture seekers, MITF 2025 is a must-attend event. It’s a place where borders blur, voices rise, and the stage becomes a mirror to society — and a window to what could be.
From 11–13 September, Reps Theatre becomes more than just a venue — it becomes a canvas for global stories, African narratives, and imaginative futures.
Don’t miss your seat at the most powerful conversation in Zimbabwean theatre.
The curtain is about to rise.
Let the show begin.
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