Theatre for Justice

A bold production confronts injustice, pollution, and silence through performance.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24  - (16 July 2025) - A powerful new theatre production, House of War, House of Glass, is set to premiere in Lusaka on 25 July 2025, using performance art to spotlight urgent issues of environmental degradation, tribal reconciliation, peacebuilding, and child rights. 

The premiere will take place at the Italian Cultural Centre, with plans to tour other provinces and eventually showcase internationally.

The production is a collaboration between American playwright and peace activist Namaya and Zambian youth development organisation Grace Cares Zambia, featuring a cast of 21 first-time young actors from Lusaka.

Children Tell the Hard Truths

Speaking ahead of the premiere, Namaya described the play as a mirror of global injustice, viewed through the eyes of Zambian children.

“The ‘House of War’ symbolises the violence and environmental destruction inherited from adults,” Namaya said. “The ‘House of Glass’ reflects the fragile hope for peace, carried by children bold enough to question that inheritance.”

The story follows children from rival communities who challenge deep-seated tribal divisions and confront the harmful choices of their elders — including deforestation, pollution from mining, and the silence surrounding child sexual abuse.

Co-director Dr. Becky Banda said the play empowers children to speak truth to power.

 “Children in this story are not just actors — they are truth-tellers,” she said. “They’re asking, ‘Why should we stay silent in the face of violence?’”

Script adaptor Joseph Ntulisha initially feared the story might be too American for Zambian audiences — until he recognised how closely the themes mirrored local realities.

 “The names may have changed, but the issues are ours,” Ntulisha said. “This is a Zambian story.”

Beyond the Stage: Sparking Civic Dialogue

The production follows a theatre-for-development model, integrating post-show discussions where audiences engage directly with the cast about the play’s messages.

Director Bright Banda said the format transforms performance into dialogue and reflection.

“This isn’t just theatre — it’s a platform for behaviour change,” he said. “These young people are now speaking with courage on issues many adults avoid.”

Co-director Isaac Kalumba added that the play challenges adults to rethink survival choices — like charcoal burning — that threaten future generations.

“We’ve normalised environmental harm and inequality as the price of survival,” Kalumba said. “This production asks: At what cost?”

More Than a Performance — A Movement

The team behind House of War, House of Glass envisions the production as the launchpad for a youth theatre movement in Zambia. 

Organisers hope to build a long-term programme that equips young people with artistic skills, platforms for expression, and opportunities for international collaboration.

“We’re not just launching a play — we’re building a youth theatre movement,” said Dr. Banda.

Namaya added that the production also aims to amplify Zambian voices globally, especially in calling out the environmental damage caused by international mining corporations.

“These young performers are holding the global system accountable — through theatre,” he said.

Press Coverage Still Lags Behind

Despite its critical themes, the production has struggled to gain significant media traction. Kalumba urged the Zambian press to give the performing arts the same attention as sports.

“If we’re serious about development, we must also take storytelling seriously,” he said.

Performance Details

Title: House of War, House of Glass

Date: 25 July 2025

Venue: Italian Cultural Centre, Lusaka

Organisers: Grace Cares Zambia & Namaya Arts

Admission: Free and open to the public

Format: Performance followed by audience discussion

Organisers encourage youth, educators, civil society, activists, and development partners to attend and participate in the dialogue.