BULAWAYO - National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (Nacz) director Elvas Mari will today officially open the much-awaited Intwasa Arts festival in Bulawayo.

The Delta-supported function dubbed the “Blooming Official Opening Show” has been slated for the Chibuku Stage by the City Hall car park.

Festival spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala told the Daily News that a variety of entertainment will be in store.

“We really have a cocktail of entertainment as we officially open the biggest festival in the region.
“We are also expecting a number of top officials in the arts fraternity.

“It will be a great event as we also have a number of visitors from different regional and international countries,” said Nkala.

Such local groups as Iyasa, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Simunye Simunye, Family Voices, Drums of Peace, Amabhoza and Black Equation, among a host others, will take part.

Nkala also said some solo artists as well as local poets are set to parade their stuff at the occasion that kicks off at 6pm.

Last year the festival was officially opened by the then acting Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, chief executive officer Givemore Chidzidzi.

The Cool Crooners, Iyasa, Family Voices and Umkhathi graced last year’s event.

The variety arts extravaganza kicked off yesterday with a number of activities taking place across the city.

The curtain will come down on the Saturday, September 22.

A Culture Fund supported film symposium, the social media and the arts, plays Stitsha and The Lion and the Jewel took place ensuring the arts fiesta remarkably roared to life.

Today, before the official opening event, art followers will be spoilt for choice as a number of workshops are lined up including the arts and culture workshop for teachers, arts management workshop, physical theatre workshop and the talk of creative industries workshop.

Harare-based Tumbuka Dance Company will also present their play Between the Lines while Complete Arts supported by SIDA will present another play The Father both slated for the Bulawayo Theatre.

The five-day event is running under the theme “Bulawayo Blooming.”