This is the biography of Cont Mhlanga, a Zimbabwean playwright, actor, and theatre director who died in 2022. He founded the Amakhosi Theatre Productions company in 1982 and was known for his critical views on the government of Robert Mugabe.
Early Life and Education
Mdladla Mhlanga was born on 16 March 1958 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He attended Shabula Primary School and later Fatima, a boarding school where he was christened Nicholas. However, to distinguish him from another student, he was nicknamed Cont.
Cont Mhlanga Career
Mhlanga’s career in theatre began in the early 1980s. He founded Amakhosi Theatre Productions, which became one of Zimbabwe’s leading theatre companies. His early works, such as “The Good President” and “Stitsha,” gained popularity and showcased his storytelling abilities.
Cont Mhlanga Notable Works and Achievements
Cont Mhlanga Biography [Image: CITE]
Throughout his career, Mhlanga wrote and directed numerous plays that addressed social and political issues. His works, including “The End,” “Vikela Sinjalo,” and “Children On Fire,” were well-received both locally and internationally. In 2008, he won the inaugural Freedom to Create Prize for his contributions to the arts.
Cont Mhlanga International Recognition
Mhlanga’s work gained international recognition, leading to collaborations with artists and organisations worldwide. He participated in theatre festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Market Theatre in South Africa. His play “Stitsha” was performed at the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT).
Cont Mhlanga Arts Administration and Advocacy
Beyond his creative work, Mhlanga was an active arts administrator and advocate. He played a key role in establishing the Amakhosi Cultural Centre in Bulawayo, which became a hub for cultural activities and arts education. He also initiated the Amakhosi Cultural Centre Trust to support the development of the arts in Zimbabwe. Mhlanga was involved in policy discussions and efforts to secure funding for the arts, working with organisations such as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. His advocacy for the arts extended to mentoring young artists and promoting arts education through workshops and training programmes.
Cont Mhlanga Challenges
Mhlanga faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including arrests for his public expressions against the government.
Death
Cont Mhlanga passed away on August 1, 2022, at the age of 64. He died at a private clinic in Bulawayo after being admitted to the hospital 10 days earlier. His death was confirmed by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. Mhlanga had been hospitalised with an undisclosed ailment, which later turned out to be pneumonia.
References
- A Portrait Of Cont Mhlanga As A Young Man – Sunday News
- WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR CONT MHLANGA – The Sunday Mail
