Author Stephen Chifunyise has given himself to the service of Zimbabwe through a production called Heal the Wounds that he is currently promoting.

In an interview Wednesday Chifunyise said, “The play is a debate on the best way to heal the wounds. As a playwright, the research I have carried out has been fairly extensive, getting the views of people on what they think needs national healing.”

For many people Heal the Wounds is a milestone in the arts’ celebration of National Healing efforts by both the state and church groups who think Zimbabwe can get past its season of mistrust.

For both writer Chifunyise and Producer/Director Daves Guzha Heal the Wounds seems to be a mild experiment in community dialogue on a large scale. Just the tonic  Zimbabwe needs, perhaps,  in terms of national participation, while  perhaps being a bit harsh on judging societal behavior that is condemnable.

Chifunyise said Zimbabweans deserved credit for being resilient during the most difficult times.

”They suffered a lot but they gave a lot,” the writer said.

Chifunyise said that the play was difficult to write since it took him almost a year to complete.

“It was very difficult to write this play. I found myself having to go through a programme of national inquiry in order to come up with ideas. I required a lot of tact because some of the people were very sensitive,” said the writer.

Chifunyise said the Global Political Agreement signed by President Robert Mugabe and his partners should be fully supported.

The prolific Chifunyise’s last play was Dependants in March, also performed at Theatre in the Park.

Award-winning actor Charles Matare, fresh from performing as the lead artist in Amen Zim is cast in the leading role for Heal the Wounds with Michael Kudakwashe taking the role of his errant son.

Matare said, “In this production I promise fireworks. I’m a natural comedian. I’m not going to act. I will just be portraying reality. I want to be the real character that can be identified by the community.”

Matatre has appeared in many dramas, including Intimate Affairs, Heaven’s Diary, All Systems Out of Order, Ganyau Express, and films Tanyaradzwa and Super Patriots and Morons.

Michael Kudakwashe, fresh from a US run with the Brooke Ciardelli-directed The History Boys. Kudakwashe has a regular stand-up comic slot at the Book Café plays the role of an errant son in Heal the Wounds.

“We’re being given an opportunity as artists to play our part in national healing and I think that is amazing,” Kudakwashe said in an interview on Wednesday.

Kudakwashe said his interest in acting was kindled at an early age when he saw how versatile some television actors could be.

“You could see an actor in one film being completely different in another. I just enjoy this ability to become other people. I enjoy being a comedian,” the actor said.