‘Beautiful Man’ Gets Two NAMA Nominations

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Writes Shingirai Manyengavana

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre is celebrating a momentous achievement as their production ‘Beautiful Man’ was nominated for the prestigious National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) in the categories of Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Directing.

The NAMA award ceremony is scheduled for February 24 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZEIC) running under the theme ‘Kwan22.’

Farirai Clarence Borerwe, the nominated outstanding actor said,” I’m so happy and excited to be nominated for this award. For me, just the mere fact that I have been nominated is a great achievement. This is a national merit award nomination, I still can’t believe this is me.’’

Borerwe emphasized the significance of the nominations, highlighting the impact they could have on the recognition and success of the production.

“This nomination should propel us to do more great work in 2024 and beyond,” he added with excitement.

‘Beautiful Man’ features Farirai Clarence Borerwe and Jasen Mphepo, directed by Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi, Beautiful Man’ is an intense and dramatic two hander-hander play that explores the complexity and vulnerability of men.

The play follows the story of Taurai, played by Jasen Mphepo, and Augustine played by Borerwe. The duo shares one common thread: a story to tell. Both men are grappling with their emotions and struggling to navigate their respective journeys.

The producer of ‘Beautiful Man,’ Jasen Mphepo of Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, expressed his thoughts and feelings upon receiving the nominations, stating, “The nomination for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Directing comes as an amazing gesture in recognition of the work and efforts by the Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre in contributing to keeping theatre alive in Zimbabwe. To the cast and technical team and everyone else behind the production of ‘Beautiful Man,’ I would like to say thank you for agreeing to work on the production and see the vision through.”

The NAMA Awards, known for celebrating excellence in the arts and culture sector, recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including music, film, visual arts, and theatre.

The Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre has long been at the forefront of promoting and nurturing the performing arts in Zimbabwe. The theatre’s commitment to producing high-quality productions that entertain, inspire, and challenge audiences has earned them a well-deserved reputation within the local arts community.