It is the unique style that typifies this group that is their trump card. Over the Edge represents originality and creativity and is breathing life into a dying theatrical tradition. They demonstrate that theatre is evolving and most importantly still relevant as an invaluable social tool and a tonic for life (Over the Edge - just add gin!).
Multi-racial
The cross section of races within the group lends itself to a balanced view of contemporary Zimbabwe, though race issues are not the primary concern of the company. They enjoy tackling a wide range of societal problems often never examined before and so avoid becoming redundant and clichéd. They are constantly in touch with progressive Zimbabwean attitudes and consequently have helped to bring younger audiences into local theatres and spread to non-Zimbabwean audiences a fresh and exciting viewpoint of contemporary Zimbabwe through both their performances and their workshops. The group continues to work against cultural misunderstanding.
he Edge?
Beginnings
In its earliest incarnation, the group that formed the core of Over the Edge made its first appearance at the Avondale Summer Arts Festival, Avondale Shopping Centre Harare. Their busking efforts earned them Z$86.00.The date: November 1994. The most unique feature of the ensemble was not just their talent and enthusiasm but also their racial make up. At a time when multiracialism/multiculturalism was still an insipid cosmetic social convention, Over the Edge broke the social and theatrical rules. Whilst raising eyebrows and criticism from the Zimbabwean theatre establishment, Over the Edge raised their profile. The result: Sold out shows at The Reps Theatre and at the massive 816 seat 7Arts Theatre in Harare. Over their eight year existence the group have become known for their off the wall up-beat comedy, charming audiences at home and abroad with published texts and original local material that often puts Zimbabwean life in the spotlight.
Aims of the Group
Over the Edge’s policy is to constantly strive for theatrical and aesthetic excellence. The company aims to create Theatre that entertains, inspires and informs; Art that stimulates openness without bias, unity that does not compromise individuality, creativity that makes creative work a social norm rather than an unattainable oddity. All this with the long term desire to pioneer and stimulate the birth of a new generation, and a new voice, in Zimbabwean and African Theatre.
Achievements to Date
Over the Edge has always taken on theatrical challenges. Their groundbreaking re-imaginings of Shakespeare, Joe Orton and Arthur Miller demonstrate a keen sense of the ’western’ Theatrical canon. This is underscored and overlaid with a strong awareness of their own histories, cultures and influences. The results have been their critical and commercial success at home and abroad with original material. Highlights through the years include :
Shakespeare’s Macbeth (1995)
The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1996)
Moliere’s Learned Ladies ( 1997)
The Compleat wrks of Wllm. Shkspr. (abridged) by the Reduced Shakespeare Company ( 1997)
An adapted version of the American play Sheer Madness ( 1999)
Three original plays, Completely Over the Edge (1998), Anti-Panto (1998) and Anti-Panto 0.5 (1999)
Eternal Peace Asylum, an original play by Wiina Msamati ( 1999-2000)
Loot by Joe Orten (2000)
Improvisation and theatre games
TV pilots: Over the Edge (1996) and ”Ah, foetsak!” (2000)
Born African written by Craig Peter, Wiina Msamati, Kevin Hanssen and Zane E. Lucas( 2001-2002)
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare(2000,2001)
Taming of The Shrew by William Shakespeare (2002)
Their productions of Twelfth Night and Eternal Peace Asylum (2000) saw Over the Edge acheive outstanding critical acclaim at Edinburgh Festival. Alongside standing ovations, glowing reviews and packed houses, Over the Edge won the Spirit of The Fringe award by the producers of The Pick of The Fringe showcase for Twelfth Night and Wiina was nominated Best Actor in the Stage Awards run by the high-profile Stage Newspaper of London.
Following on from Edinburgh 2000, in October 2000, three of the company went on to participate in the Amsterdam International Improvisation Festival. Again, the company proved to be a hit with another instant standing ovation from the Dutch audience on completion of their improvised ’long form’. An outstanding tour of the USA followed in March 2001. Over the Edge performed at The American Repertory Theatre in Boston amongst other appearances. Both Twelfth Night and Eternal Peace Asylum were well received by American audiences.
Their most striking success in 2001 and 2002 has been their original work Born African. This haunting yet human portrayal of modern Zimbabwe was the high point of the Harare International Festival of The Arts (HIFA) in 2001. African went on to earn the company a nomination for the Best Ensemble Award at the 2001 Stage Awards.
Their productions of Twelfth Night and Eternal Peace Asylum (2000) saw Over the Edge acheive outstanding critical acclaim at Edinburgh Festival. Alongside standing ovations, glowing reviews and packed houses, Over the Edge won the Spirit of The Fringe award by the producers of The Pick of The Fringe showcase for Twelfth Night and Wiina was nominated Best Actor in the Stage Awards run by the high-profile Stage Newspaper of London.
Following on from Edinburgh 2000, in October 2000, three of the company went on to participate in the Amsterdam International Improvisation Festival. Again, the company proved to be a hit with another instant standing ovation from the Dutch audience on completion of their improvised ’long form’. An outstanding tour of the USA followed in March 2001. Over the Edge performed at The American Repertory Theatre in Boston amongst other appearances. Both Twelfth Night and Eternal Peace Asylum were well received by American audiences.
Their most striking success in 2001 and 2002 has been their original work Born African. This haunting yet human portrayal of modern Zimbabwe was the high point of the Harare International Festival of The Arts (HIFA) in 2001. African went on to earn the company a nomination for the Best Ensemble Award at the 2001 Stage Awards.
he Edge?