RICHARD PHIRI

By Sibongumusa Dhlodhlo

This is one man who has seen it all in the arts industry when it comes to acting. Having started acting when he was in Standard one (Grade three), Richard Phiri has had over 10 productions to his file.

In 1968, while doing his Standard two, Richard performed his first professional acting role where he played a female character. This was in, War in the Jungle, which was done in Mozambique. To date, this has turned out to be his best ever production although he was very young.

"Although I was still young, it stands out as my best ever production as I had an opportunity to rub shoulders with lots of professionals," he said.

Some of the productions he has taken part in include Steve Biko, Sibongile, British Commercial, Animal Donkey Care, Amadilo, Happy Valley Film Workshop, Debela and The Power of One which featured Johnny Clerg and Morgan Freeman. In the local soap, Amakorokoza, he plays the character, Micha. The latest theatre play he is currently taking part in is Lysistrata, where he plays Strymodorus, a filthy and funny man.

Richard was born on 8 March 1954 in Bulawayo where he also grew up. He attended Msiteli Primary and Secondary School for his education. Micha, as he is affectionately known, is married to MaMthethwa and a proud father of a daughter, Prisca.

Interest in the arts came about as a result of his desire for record comedies.

"I was dragged into the arts because of my love for record comedies which were very popular during that time when I was doing my Standard 1(Grade 3), he said.

Traditional food especially ulude and bhobola are his favourite dishes while he enjoys orange juice and wine on the drinks side.

Asked on what he has won on his acting career, Richard said, “I prefer to first win my audience before I think of entering competitions."

On the state of the arts industry, Richard believes that theatre has not been fully accepted in Zimbabwe and hence called on the government to come to this industry's rescue.

"Theatre is not well accepted in Zimbabwe and I believe that the solution lies in the government intervening for the good of this multi-talented industry," he said.