MDC-T circus: meet the players

Given the recent circus being put on show by our brothers and sisters in the MDC-T, I thought it prudent to formally introduce the major players to those of you who may not be in the know.

Indeed, it would be remiss on our part, art critics to let the circus leave town without giving it due coverage and review.

To give credit where it's due, Zimbabweans have not borne witness to such a highly entertaining show in a very long time, if ever.

Without wasting time or rather space, the MDC-T circus act comprises the following perfomers:

Ring Master - Morgan Tsvangirai

Tsvangirai is credited with being the strongest force behind the MDC-T circus. He was present at the formation and brought with him talents he had previously acquired during his days as a solo act/stand up comedian. With each passing decade, the theme of the circus' performances evolved to be centered on his own desires to remain as the ring master. Attempts by other actors to usurp him of his power have been met with harsh expulsion from the circus as he allows noone else to share the spotlight with him. The ringmaster usually prances around the arena with a whip with which he ruthlessly punishes those who dare protest against his management. Resultantly, the circus now bears his surname instead of the commercial brand name originally adopted.

Aspiring Ring Master – Tendai Biti

He has been with the ring master ever since the circus was established in 1999 and appeared content all along to go along with the ring master's rule. Of late however, this aspiring ring master has come out in the open that he is not happy with the way the ring master has been running things and wants to take over the circus himself. Comparatively, he is shrewder than the ring master but does not yet have the audience's support. It is however rumored that most of the perfomers prefer him to lead the circus now but are too afraid to come out in the open and say so as they dread the ring master's whip which has already been used on some perfomers who rebelled.

The Mime – Thokozani Khupe

Madame Khupe is the circus master's second in command and is an expert on mimicking the ring master's actions. This mime does not voice any opinion of her own but acts out her master's wishes. Given the recent tumultuous events going on in the circus, with some perfomers rebelling against the ringmaster, the mime has been conspicuous as she has stuck true to form and not voiced any opinion on the rebellion. Many speculate, however that deep inside her heart, she is batting for the rebels. Who knows, maybe she just might surprise us all and talk one of these days.

Chief parrot – Douglas Mwonzora

This gentleman has the very important task of repeating the ring master's thoughts, declarations and decisions for the audience and circus perfomers to hear. This bird often looks colourful and might appear intelligent for managing to utter high sounding words but close inspection reveals that the parrot does not voice its own thoughts and wishes but simply repeats what the ring master says and gets seeds and nuts for the effort.

Assistant parrot – Nelson Chamisa

This young parrot is literally singing for its supper. So enthusiastic is he that at times he repeats statements by the ring master that were not actually meant for the audience to hear and it is often left to the chief parrot to do damage control. Many believe that this assistant parrot is aspiring for a higher role within the circus than his present one. We wait to see if he will succeed given that he is quite a brilliant fellow, even more colourful and with a larger vocabulary base than the chief parrot. He also knows when to utter statements in order to have the most effect. Age is also on his side as he still has brighter coloured feathers.

The Villain – Elton Mangoma

He is the classical villain in the circus, having dared to oppose the rule of the ringmaster. The villain was given fool's courage by the other circus perfomers to confront the ring master. He was tasked with tying the bell around the cat's neck. Unfortunately for him, as soon as the ring master cracked the whip on his back, the other perfomers, save for a few brave ones, scurried for cover and he was left high and dry. The ring master kicked him out of the circus and ordered the bulldogs to pounce on him if he was spotted anywhere near the circus tent.

The Chameleon - Jacob Mafume

This chameleon fellow was one of the ring master's trusted lieutenants but has of late turned into his greatest critic, siding with the aspiring ring master. The transformation was quite shocking at first, but then who can change colours best at the blink of an eye other than the chameleon himself?

The Monkey - Job Sikhala

This performer once left the circus in a huff after disagreeing with the ringmaster but recently returned, ostensibly to help him out. The monkey's major talent seems to be swinging all over the tent making a lot of noise chattering incoherently. The other circus perfomers are aware though that the monkey is just looking for his next banana so they largely ignore him.

The Shadow Men – Roy Bennett and others

These are the real force behind the circus as they hold the circus' purse strings and have the power to determine the fate of the ring master. Characteristically, they prefer to remain in the shadows and push the ring master into the spotlight while they pull the strings from the shadows. These shadow men are presently not pleased with the ring master as he has failed to take the circus to the larger stage as he was instructed to. They are now frantically trying to push the ring master out of the spotlight and replace him with the assistant ring master although they risk falling into the harsh light themselves and be seen by the audience.

The Bulldogs- too many to mention

These youthful hounds are tasked with disciplining any perfomers who step out of line using brute force. They have been trained to attack and kill at the ring master's command. Ask the villain, he will testify how sharp their teeth are.

The Clown- Identity unknown

The clown has managed to keep the audience in stitches and at times utter shock throughout the history of the circus. Although the clown's identity is not known , many suspect it is the ring master behind the painted face as he is known to possess a clownish side to him that he can't help but let out sometimes. The only problem with the clown is that his antics, more often than not, offend the audience.

The tight rope walkers – led by Ian Makone

This group of perfomers thrives on balancing on the dividing rope and will not fall on either side of the rope. This unique balancing act has ensured their survival in the circus as not even the ringmaster, audience or shadow men can find fault with them.

The Choir – led by Theresa Makone

The circus choir is tasked with singing the ring master's praise day and night, 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter the circumstances or scenario. If the ring master were to torch the whole circus tent into flames, The Choir will go down singing his praises.
Be sure to watch this space as the circus continues to unfold.

To all you art critics out there, please feel free to add on more circus reviews, and if by some unfathomable chance you have missed the circus thus far, go grab a ticket and some popcorn.