Almasi Collaborative Arts Presents Stephen Belber’s “Tape” at Reps Theatre
Almasi Collaborative Arts is set to ignite the theatrical scene this year with a compelling staged reading of Stephen Belber’s play “Tape.”
This gripping performance will unfold this Saturday at Reps Theatre, with admission free to all.
“Tape” delves into the complex dynamics of friendship, unravelling a tale of love, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.
The narrative follows Jon, an aspiring filmmaker, and his high school friend Vince, who reunite for a weekend that takes an unexpected turn.
As the evening progresses, Vince coerces Jon into confessing a dark secret involving a past encounter with Amy, a mutual former flame.
Tensions escalate when Vince reveals he has recorded the confession and arranged a dinner with Amy, setting the stage for a riveting exploration of motive, memory, and perception.
Director Tafadzwa Bvumbe, a seasoned theatre practitioner, anticipates thought-provoking discussions to emerge from the performance.
“I am excited to be directing ‘Tape’ by Stephen Belber,” Bvumbe shares. “It is such a topical play dealing with issues around rape and sexual assault, memory, and perceptions.”
Belber, no stranger to Zimbabwe’s theatre scene, previously facilitated the Almasi African Playwrights Conference in 2015 and 2023.
Elizabeth Zaza Muchemwa, Almasi’s Artistic Director, expresses anticipation for the upcoming reading, emphasizing its potential to stimulate dialogue among audiences.
“This staged reading is an experience one can look forward to and it remains to the bulk of Zimbabwe’s dramatic arts lovers to come and see what they can discover,” said Muchemwa.
The staged reading of “Tape” forms part of Almasi’s commitment to advancing dramatic literacy within the community.
This initiative plays a vital role in nurturing Zimbabwean dramatic arts, with a focus on developing works that can resonate globally.
By embracing dramaturgy, Almasi aims to enrich performances and contribute to a lasting legacy of Zimbabwean dramatic literature.
