A new theatre production in Zimbabwe is reigniting public debate over proposed constitutional amendments that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
For decades, theatre in Zimbabwe has played a prominent role in political expression, often placing artists at risk of censorship, arrests, or bans. That tradition continues with the latest production by acclaimed actor and director Daves Guzha, whose new play Bodo directly confronts the proposed changes.
The play questions the push to extend presidential tenure and raises concerns about the absence of a public referendum on such a significant constitutional shift.
“Number one, I’m a child of war. So in reality, my levels of expression started at a very young age,” Guzha said. “And now witnessing exactly what the current government is trying to do to force themselves on us… I felt it was time to express some of the wishes of the people.”
The production comes amid heightened political tension, with reports that some opposition figures have faced arrests or assaults for speaking out against the proposed amendments.
Playwright Norbert Fero said the urgency of the issue compelled him to contribute to the project, stressing the importance of public awareness and civic engagement.
“I felt compelled to be part of this because I believe it is a very important discussion that is going on at the moment,” he said. “So we are duty bound to raise awareness on the current amendment bill.”
Guzha says the arts remain a vital platform for national reflection, especially during politically sensitive periods.
“When everything else fails in a society, the arts must rise to the occasion,” he said. “A society whose storytellers tell a different kind of story which is out of sync with their society becomes a sick society.”
Bodo is a one-man performance rooted in Ngano, a traditional Shona storytelling method, blended with modern visual and audio elements. Through this fusion, Guzha aims to provoke reflection, dialogue, and civic awareness about Zimbabwe’s political direction.
As the constitutional debate continues, productions like Bodo highlight the enduring role of the arts in questioning authority and amplifying citizen voices.
