UK based actress Enisia Mashusha bares her soul… life is not rosy abroad
By Trust Khosa
UK BASED actress, script-writer and theatre director, Enisia Mashusha, is a true fighter. Raised in Bulawayo before moving to the capital and now staying in the Queendom, Enisia is one arts practitioner who says she will only rest once she meets her targets.
She has endeared herself with fans for her stance to fight for the girl-child’s right including the marginalised. And she has been doing all this using theatre.
H-Metro Assistant News Editor (Entertainment) Trust Khosa had a question and answer interview with Enisia who opened up on her vision, quest to liberate the girl-child and her forth-coming talkshow. Read on…
Q: How is life in the UK as an actress, choreographer and script writer?
A: Life here is not easy as most people would want to think but I must say a lot of opportunities exist here in the arts circles.
However there are a few things I need to sort out first before I can get the ball rolling.
In the meantime, I’m concentrating on my new baby The ‘A’ List talk show online.
Q: Tell us more about your new talk show which is coming soon?
A: It has always been my dream from years back to run a talk show.
I believe everything has got it’s time, now it’s the time to nurture and work on the new baby the “Royal time with Mambokadzi”.
It’s something massive that will keep you glued to the small screen. Slowly but sure, this talk show will definitely make a mark.
Q: How did you come with the concept?
A: It’s something that has been in the pipeline for years now driven by the zeal to empower the girl child, zeal to fight for justice, not only the girl child but across the board.
Q: What strides have you made abroad in your quest to fight for the girl-child?
A: All I can say for now is I have taken great strides in my quest to for the girl child, so talking about it will be pre-emptive of the greatest ideas ever to come out from a Zimbabwean who is abroad at the moment.
Q: Being a passionate theatre practitioner what can you say about the appeal of theatre back home?
A: Zimbabwe has one of the richest talents in Southern region.
Lack of funding is the major setback towards exposure to the outside world.
If only we could overcome this barrier, none of the countries in the region would match us.
Q: In which areas do you think Zimbabwean theatre practitioners need to work on to up the game?
A: I have no doubt whatsoever that our practitioners are highly competitive and experienced in all areas of production.
The likes of Daves Guzha, Jasen Mpepho, Nakai Matema, Raisedon Baya,Innocent Nkululeko Dube, Tafadzwa Muzondo, Marian Kunonga, Obrian Mudyiwenyama, Elton Mjanana are working tirelessly in the arts sector.
However, as I have highlighted above, lack of funding or sponsorship is hindering the whole process.
I tell you if funding can be available in the arts sector then the sky is the limit.
Q: What needs to be done to empower female theatre practitioners and film-makers?
A: They need everyone’s support starting with the media both print and electronic, this coupled with Government support and the private sector, you will realise that female practitioners and film makers are highly talented, competing at the same or even higher level with the male counterparts.
Q: Being an artist who passed though the greats at Amakhosi before working with other production house in the capital, which producers do you rate most?
A: I believe each and every producer is doing her or his best.
I can’t really say this one is best. To me every producer is best as long as they produce excellent work.
Q: What challenges did you face in your formative years that you do not want to be experienced by young theatre practitioners?
A: I can’t say I faced any real challenges during my formative at Amakhosi because funding was still available for the arts so we were happy.
The only challenge I came across with was during the Mambokadzi dancing era.
I would groom the girls all over again because of our society that doesn’t allow female artists to explore more; our society doesn’t allow our girl child to be a performer as long as you get married that’s the end of it. Only a few from our society appreciates women in art.
Q: As someone who started off in Bulawayo before relocating to Harare and then UK how has the journey been like?
A: It’s been difficult but a fruitful journey, I must say. It’s not easy to get to the level I am right now.
You need determination, perseverance and focused, setting clear cut goals which are achievable.
Q: What regrets do you have in your career from the days of Amakhosi to Mambokadzi up to now?
A: I don’t have regrets. I believe life has got its up and downs but what is important is if you fall you need to rise and stand up tall again.
I’m never ashamed of failure but what I have noticed is that those experiences only make me stronger.
Q: Having worked with ladies for the greater part your career especially the Mambokadzi project when some of your members were targeted by sex predators, how did you manage to continue with the mission?
A: Being a soft spoken person, I groomed my girls the way I was also groomed.
I taught them so well such that we never experienced any abuses.
They knew very well on how to conduct themselves around people, they were untouchable.
I believe that’s the reason why most of them are married now because Mambokadzi had its own principles and values that they needed to adopt to and follow.
If you have a goal you keep on pushing you do not stop. You might take a break and resume again.
Q: Any plans before year-end?
A: As of now I’m only building the talk show brand I have nothing else in my mind except for this new baby.
Q: You once promised to expose some of the prominent prophets who were abusing their followers, are you still going ahead with your plans?
A: I would rather not talk about this at the moment
Q: Lastly, your message to female arts practitioners?
A: Ladies keep on going, the sky is the limit. Challenges are there to be overcome, do not step back. Together we can!
Q: Thank you for your time.
A: You are welcome! H Metro
