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A Zambian play, The Last Steps, which sets out to show a cruel and corrupt justice system is set to premiere at Theatre in the Park from 24 to 25 July 2024 starting at 6 pm.
Directed by Sodgers Sitamu, the two-hander stars Hamalala Hamalala and Cosmas Yombwe Ng’andu, a prolific theatre artist who has featured in productions from a very tender age.
In the play, two prisoners are sentenced to death. One of them, Mangani, committed murder in a moment of rage and confusion. He regrets his actions and wishes the system could give him a chance to live and not be killed.
The other prisoner, Derek, is a cold-blooded killer who blames society and his family for what he has become. He is ready to be hanged. Mangani wants to prove his innocence, and Derek wants to show off that he is ready for whatever comes his way but as the two get to know each other more, they both realize they are victims of a cruel and corrupt justice system and what they need is to stay alive and fight.
“I have been involved in Community awareness programs using Drama. I am still involved in various popular Theatre projects with different Organizations and Government line Ministries on different thematic topics cutting across Health, Gender, Human Rights, Consumer Right Protection, and Governance,” Hamala said.
The Zimbabwean television audience will remember Hamalala from the popular Zambian soap Kabanana and in 2000 project-T&H Productions, Making Choices by Lawrence Thomson-T&H Productions.
He was also featured in Shade by Abinala Phiri-Africa Creative Media as well as televisión adverts with Young Rubicans, Muvi Studios, and Quality assurance for Serenje District Health Board under Tagwamo Theatre.
On the other hand, Cosmas started his artistic journey in 1986 at Jessy Mbanga Nursery School in Lusaka in a Christmas production which was directed by Bright Banda and the late Elijah Daka.
“I developed a lot of interest in acting when watching local productions like ‘Play Circle, Police and You’ and listening to Radio Drama. I also give a lot of credit to the late Mathews Bwalya Filaba my patron then with the drama club at Kabwe High School. He encouraged, inspired me, and helped with my acting skills,” he recalled.
Cosmas also featured prominently in productions like Chief Minister’s Daughter, Banjo, Surviving the Wilderness, and An Old Couple to mention but a few.
Theatre audiences are encouraged to attend in their number so as not to miss out and admission is US$5 at the door.