By Tatenda Mujeyi
Pastime Trust is actively engaging the arts industry whilst working towards art’s development of the sector.
Founded 17 years ago by popular Zimbabwean actor, Jason Mphepo, the trust has grown to offer art solutions for the greater Zimbabwean Arts enthusiasts.
“Patsime Trust was founded 17 years ago by popular TV personality in Remember Waiters, Jason Mphepo. As an artist, he understood the plight of the artists and wanted to bring a change through creating a platform for them to turn professional,” Caroline Magenga, Patsime Trust Theatre Coordinator said.
The trust recently commissioned a theatre in Eastlea hosting a variety of arts events and our publication caught up with the team to hear more about the trust and how it is moving from strength to strength.
“We opened the doors to our theatre in May and we have been working tirelessly as the program schedule has been hectic. The opening of the theater is a big milestone in availing a platform for artists. We view it as a hub from which artists can come to explore their talents,” Magenga said.
Patsime Trust has flagship programs that it is venturing in from music, theatrical development, paintwork and graffiti, professional coaching, and modeling.
“We have a variety of projects that we are engaged in. Our flagship project is a sexual reproductive health program titled Buddies for Love that we are venturing in. Project ‘Shaura’ is about music, every third Thursday and Third Friday of the month we host Tariro Negitare, and we always have theatre plays and poems running.”
Patsime Trust also ventures in work wellness projects through offering a variety of theatrical presentations on issues affecting the work environment.
“We work with a lot of corporates in terms of workplace and wellness projects. We stage plays that reflect on the issues within a certain workplace. We liaise with Human Resources and they tell us what issues are central within their working environments. We in turn design tailor-made plays that could bring positive change in the working environment,” Magenga added.
The trust called for the recognition of theatre as an important part of art as most plays in Zimbabwe got good reviews internationally but the same could not be thought true in their country of origin.
