By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Renowned thespian Rutendo Tapiwa Chigudu died Thursday in South Africa aged 37.
The stage and screen actress popularly known on social media as R Tendo reportedly collapsed and died.
Her death follows that of another young artist — Melody Musekiwa, a renowned musician, choreographer and actress who died aged 34 in April.
Rooftop Promotions producer Daves Guzha who worked extensively with R Tendo said in statement that she made productions meaningful and colourful.
“Rutendo! With abandon, you gave abundantly. You made our productions meaningful and colourful. Whilst you have existed the stage, your presence is permanent! Our heartfelt condolences to the industry, family and friends,” Guzha said.
Kiri Gumunyu-Manatsa wrote on Facebook: “Wow life is indeed fickle. I remember the afternoon of this shoot, she was so vivacious, so warm and full of life and we were making fun of each other for being on opposite ends of the spectrum, her being so petite me being a giant, zvakaoma shuwa . May the heavens receive her with open arms.”
Filmmaker Rumbi Kaedza said: “We had so much more to do together R Tendo.”
A mother of two, R Tendo was currently studying towards her MA in Applied Drama with Wits University in South Africa.
A holder of the Bachelor of Arts: Honors in Theater Arts from the University of Zimbabwe R Tendo was many things to different people.
She was a mother, a leader, actress and motivator for other young women.
Her footprint on Zimbabwean film and theatre cannot be ignored especially that she worked with difference creative at so many levels.
She once worked with organisers of the Harare International Festival of Arts as a coordinator of events, worked for Patsime Trust, Reps Theatre, Zimbabwe Women Writers Association, Star FM Radio as well as Sadc Arts Festival to mention a few.
She featured in many plays for the University of Zimbabwe Theatre Department which include Bus Stop Journals and in many HIFA productions which include:
The Frog Queen which earned her a NAMA 2007 Outstanding Theatre Actress nomination and Wedding Day.
She also starred in Rituals, a poignant, musical and inspirational journey through community driven healing processes that are impeded by lack of political will.
Rituals was by NAMA 2009 Outstanding Theatrical Production Award winning duet of acclaimed Zimbabwean author Stephen Chifunyise and director-cum-producer, Daves Guzha.
The premiered at Harare’s smallest and busiest venue – Theatre in the Park in October 2010 and was performed at the all parties conference on healing by the Institute of Justice and Peace in the same month before it stole the limelight at the All Africa Dance Festival for Peace in Nairobi with performances at the August 7 Memorial Park and Sarakasi Dome in December 2010.
R Tendo is survived by her two children and burial arrangement will be announced in due course.
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