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democracy parade

ARTISTS PARADED THE STREETS OF BLANTYRE IN CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY

In partnership with CILIC , Center for Human Rights & Rehabilitation (CHRR) , Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) and GTZ - Forum for Dialogue and Peace, Nanzikambe organized a spectacular street carnival in commemoration of this year's Freedom day. This was a first of its kind event that drew many local artists and various members of the civil society and the public to celebrate and honour the ideals of democracy and its values in a peaceful, vibrant and entertaining street party.

1The parade was held on the 14th of June 2006. The walkers started at 10am fromthe Independence Arch on Chipembere highway - moved towards Ndirande then back towards the heart of Blantyre, endng up at the Warehouse by the clock tower.


The aim of the day was for artists to express their heartfelt understanding of where democracy is in Malawi right here, right now.

Garnishing the day was a number of lively and powerful performances: music, short poems, dramas, traditional dances, and a Giant puppetry spectacle, which told the tale of democracy battling with Dictatorship. The mother Malawi puppet - four meters tall, moved gracefully through the streets on wheels! A five meter long snake dazzled as it darted and slithers through the crowd.

1

Many local drama groups were engaged in creating performances. The groups were: IPI Drama group, AYISE, AYIN, ALABAMA, DAMASCUS, BAHESE, YOPNET, SOLOMONIC and WAKHUMBATA. 1


Powerful street dramas were created around the themes of justice, freedom, democracy and the preservation of human rights and were performed during the parade at various designated points.

The public were engaged in the problems posed by these interactive stories.

1Paraders danced to the tune and beat of Ben Mankhamba, Nanzikambe musicians and The Village Cultural Troupe gave paraders steps to boogie to. A democracy anthem was the signature tune to the day.

The celebrations hit their climax at the Warehouse where all the paraders converged for final performances and a few remarks.

 
  Nanzikambe Theatre Arts
P.O.Box 1252, Blantyre, Malawi
+(265) 9278758 | +(265) 9182008
Email: info@nanzikambe.org www.nanzikambe.org		  
     
   
     
 

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  RAFIQ HAJAT - IPI  
  There once was desperation,
In the ranks of the mighty,
Created by suspicion,
That allegiances were flighty,
And the need for consolidation,
Of power held lightly,
A battle was thus waged,
Through "Constructive Resignation",
In the courts it raged,
Amidst public consternation,
And the V.P was caged,
In a web of humiliation.
Now there's a new season,
Or so I'm told,
For the abandonment of reason,
And violations bold,
Of charges of Treason,
And arrests manifold.
So, where do we go from here?
What will the future bring?
Do we regress into fear?
Or will our hearts sing?
The costs may indeed be dear,
And our resolve may cringe,
But the choices are quite clear,
  
     

 

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