By Rahim Abdul
Blantyre based Solomonic Peacocks Theatre has launched a theatre capacity building programme for more than 20 performers from different drama groups, aiming to improve the quality of stage productions and prepare artists for international opportunities.
The training officially opened on Sunday at the Jacaranda Cultural Center in Blantyre and will run until September this year.
Speaking during the opening session, Solomonic Peacocks Theatre director McArthur Matukuta said local theatre groups must embrace modern theatrical skills if they are to grow and remain competitive.
Matukuta said the programme is designed to expose participants to contemporary methods of producing stage plays, helping them create performances that meet international standards.
He added that lessons learned during the group’s performances abroad inspired the initiative, saying it is important for more Malawian theatre artists to benefit from global knowledge and opportunities.
According to Matukuta, the long-term goal is to empower local drama groups to showcase their productions beyond Malawi while building strong networks with international theatre practitioners.
One of the facilitators, Success Masauli from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), said the training will strengthen participants’ storytelling, scriptwriting, presentation and interpretation skills.
Masauli noted that improving these areas will enable theatre groups to produce more engaging performances capable of attracting wider audiences.
The programme has been made possible through support from the European Union, Goethe-Institut, Expertise France and the British Council.
Solomonic Peacocks Theatre is well known for organising the annual Easter Theatre Festival, which brings together local and international theatre groups to promote cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
