Tarisai’s Last Tear explores the poignant duality of life as both a nurturing forest and an unforgiving concrete jungle. Inspired by Alex Magaisa’s Talks and Tears for Tarisai, this adaptation follows Tarisai’s journey from an eight-year-old girl in rural Chikomba, Zimbabwe, to a disillusioned young woman chasing fame and purpose.
In her village, Tarisai cares for her ailing mother while dreaming of becoming the voice of the nation, inspired by radio broadcasts from Harare. At 18, those dreams drive her to leave Zimbabwe for Johannesburg, South Africa, via Botswana. Along the way, she encounters both kindness and exploitation. Achieving fame in Johannesburg, she sets her sights on Europe, believing it holds the key to her ambitions.
In Europe, Tarisai discovers a world of exploitation, feeling trapped and disillusioned. Struggling with shattered dreams, she turns to self-destructive coping mechanisms, leading to her untimely death. Her journey comes full circle as her body is repatriated, retracing her path back to her village — the place where her story began. This powerful narrative highlights the resilience and vulnerability of chasing dreams in a world fraught with both hope and despair.
Production Credits
Written by: Nonhlelo Msimango and Sphlelele Zulu
Director: Mandlenkosi Ndlovu
Cast: Lungani Qayiso, Sthokhoza Maphumulo, Lwandile Khumalo, Nozipho Maphumulo, Ntandokayise Chili , Thabiso Gciningwe , Siphelele Mngoma , Nosihle Khumalo, Nokuthula Gama, Smangaliso Vilana, Phumelele Mhlongo, Zamanguni Gumede, Amahle Chiyi, Pretty Sfundo Jali, Zanethemba Bhuqa, Noluthando Cebekhulu.
Sound Scapes: Luyanda Zulu, Buhle Ntuli, Pamela Gumbi, Nondumiso Luthuli, Zweli Buthelezi, Thulisile Nene
Production Manager: Noxolo Zulu
Stage Managers: Yanga Qobosheyane & Mlondi Nxumalo
Music & Vocal Coaches: Noluthando Cebekhulu, Maneli Ngema & Sakhile Buthelezi
Choreography and Movement: Alwande Khuzwayo
Lighting Design and Operators: Alwande Queen Mhlongo, Sbonokuhle Mjadu
Sound Design and Operator: Sinethemba Hlatshwayo
Marketing and Publicity: Avela Malunga, Sanele Dlamini, Nonsikelelo Nsibande
Set and Props Design: Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu
Audience Development: Akhona Sithole
Costume Design: Bongeka Mahlambi, Olwethu Mahlaba, Cebile Mlambo, Sthembelo Khumalo, Nokwanda Mthembu, Qolisile Masango, Londiwe Dlamini
Make-Up & Accessories: Sphesihle Ndabandaba
Logistics/Runner: Qhawe Mzimela, Ayanda Nene
About the Artists
Created as part of a Production-Based Teaching and Learning process, the script was written by Nonhlelo Msimango and Sphelele Zulu under the mentorship of Kingdom Moshounyane.
The play is Directed by Mandlenkosi Ndlovu under the mentorship of Gift Tapiwa Marovatsanga.
Moshounyane and Marovatsanga are Drama and Theatre Studies lecturers at the University of Zululand's Department of Creative Arts, and they both team-teach the module Theatre Performance within which the production is founded.
