Festival set to light up Matobo

Standard Style
 In a statement, Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions said in Zimbabwe, light has not been celebrated from a holistic perspective, from its importance on stage, in the household, and the business set-up.

BY SHARON SIBINDI PHENOMENAL Lighting and Power Solutions is set to host the Phenomenal Festival of Lights (PFOL_2022) in Gordon Park, a campsite located within the Matobo National Park, Standard Style has learnt.

Aimed at creating a networking platform for lighting technicians and designers among other things, the inaugural edition will run from September 2 to 4.

The fete will be officiated by the veteran British Lighting designer, Patrick Woodroffe OBE RDI who has worked in the worlds of music, dance and theatre.

In a statement, Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions said in Zimbabwe, light has not been celebrated from a holistic perspective, from its importance on stage, in the household, and the business set-up.

“Through this festival, Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions intend to bring people’s attention to lighting in that respect,” reads the statement.

“It will also create a networking platform for lighting technicians and designers (students and/or professionals), as well as artists and service providers in the electrical and lighting industries to connect with other local and international lighting designers and the markets at large.”

Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions said they have been training lighting designers who will be in attendance adding that fete will also be attended by international lighting designers.

“We have been training aspiring lighting designers (online master-classes and in-person training) around Zimbabwe and they will be in attendance,” added the statement.

“The PFOL_2022 is bringing performers and lighting designers from different places in the SADC region and beyond, it will be a good showcasing and networking space.

“World famous lighting designer, Michael Foster (Dell’Arte, USA) will be attending the Festival in person.

“Renowned lighting designers Johanna Town (UK), Paule Constable RDI (UK), Hansjörg Schmidt (Germany) and Sharron Stammers (UK) and Martin Lupton (UK) will be joining online in a hybrid symposium (online and in-person) featuring other lighting designers from different parts of the world. Also attending the festival in person will be Bamanye Yeko, a prominent lighting designer from South Africa.”

Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions said September 1  will feature on-site demonstrations and skills exchange sessions, as well as showcasing of various acts within the fields of music, comedy, theatre, poetry, and dance in the backdrop of the scenic and iconic Matobo area.

“Those who will come to the festival should expect music performances from renowned acts like Nobuntu, Tariro neGitare, Gwevedzi, Sylent Nqo, Klara Ana Rosa, Novuyo Seagirl, Vera, IYANA, Thandy Dhlana, Msiz’kay, Thandi Bhala, ZARAE, Mazwi as well as Black Mamba Man.

“Poets like Sox the Poet, Tinkie Thandoe and Morset Billie will also be a part of the performances together with comedy acts like Ckanyiso DatGuy. Other activities festival attendees should look forward to at the include bonfire, high rope activities as well as spit braai.”

Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions added that: “ We intend  to engage different partners for future editions. To date, Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions is the only female (Mildred Moyo) owned stage lighting company in Zimbabwe. She believes in creating a gender and age balanced stage lighting and performance environment in Zimbabwe.”

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