Sound of the Little Drum

In this simple yet moving three-act play set in Africa, Madenyika addresses issues of poor social welfare and the AIDS epidemic to which it has inadvertently contributed. With a skillful and sympathetic hand, he creates Madube, a domestic servant forced to turn to prostitution to supplement her income when her husband is imprisoned. Via a sensitive portrayal of Madube's plight, Madenyika leads his audience to the conclusion that sweeping social reform is the only solution for a continent enveloped in poverty. Casting aside the social stigmas and guilt associated with HIV and AIDS, Madenyika has written a play that is ultimately uplifting - a testament to the power of the human spirit. Ellison Kudzayi Madenyika was born in Margenster Mission Hospital, Masvingo, Zimbabwe on 9th May 1945. He attended Chistsere Primary School in Harare and completed high school at A P Knottenbelt High school in 1963. He joined the Ministry of Local Government as a Clerk in 1964 before moving to the Department of Social Welfare in 1977 as a qualified BA Social Science degree Social Worker. He trained at the University of South Africa during 1974-1976. From 1964-2002, Mr Madenyika was active in social and political planning in Zimbabwe until 1990 when he became the Zimbabwe/EU Microproject (rural development) Programme coordinator, a post he held until 2002. He left Zimbabwe in 2002 and is currently living in the UK. Mr Madenyika is married to Beltinah and they have five adult children who are living abroad. Whilst in Zimbabwe he has written many poems and taken part in local plays.