“Working within the System”: The Case of Stephen Chifunyise’s Waiting for Constitution

Abstract

This article investigates the writing techniques of one of Zimbabwe’s prolific playwrights, Stephen Chifunyise. By working within the system, this paper demonstrates how Chifunyise’s political plays are not overtly subversive, but liminal and uniquely tailored to critique the status quo in seemingly “balanced” political and social undertones. Chifunyise to some extent demonstrates the possibilities of working within an intolerant system without risking being censored, imprisoned or exiled, as has been the norm in postcolonial Zimbabwe. The article argues that in an ever-expanding unequal terrain of power and class, where fear and suspicion were palpable, and options narrowing from day to day, it was imperative for artists to innovate ways and means of protesting against the status quo. The study discusses the implications of covert and overt techniques in critiquing political excesses. It highlights how Chifunyise’s stylistic choices were able to navigate the constrictions of the rigid political environment created by the ever-growing narcissism of the ruling party, ZANU PF. The article attempts to evaluate the contributions of theatre towards issues of democracy, tolerance and good governance in Zimbabwe by positioning Chifunyise’s plays as theatre that was committed to the socio-political transformation of the Zimbabwean society.