CHANTELLE PHINDILE MOYO
Growing up in Bulawayo, she loved watching movies, which made her fall in love with acting and story telling. At school, she used to take part in performances from dancing, school choir and drama. Today she is cementing her name in the arts industry, as a playwright, screenwriter, stage director and voice over artist. Hers is a story of young talent, who has vowed to claim her space on the stage.
Our reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) had a chat with the gifted CHANTELLE PHINDILE MOYO (CPM) to know more about her inspiring story.
Read on…
MBD: When and where were you born?
CPM: I was born 26 June 1997 in Bulawayo.
MBD: Tell me your childhood memories that could be linked to what you are doing now?
CPM: I used to love watching a lot of movies when I was in Grade 5, which made me fall in love with acting and just story telling. At school I also used to take part in performances from dancing, school choir and drama.
MBD: Why did you choose this career path?
CPM: I have been into acting for long, but when it comes to being a writer, I decided in 2017 because I wanted to contribute to the way how we tell our stories in our creative industry in Zimbabwe.
MBD: Tell me fully, what is a playwright, screenwriter, stage director and voice over artist?
CPM: A playwright is someone who writes plays for theatre productions, a stage director oversees the performance of the theatre play and puts in creative ideas while a voice over artist offers their voice as a service to create ads, audiobooks, presentations etc.
MBD: How has it been since you started?
CPM: It has been a journey of mixed feelings, sometimes you make it and you don’t, you just have to remain consistent.
MBD: Tell me about the work you have done or works you have been involved in?
CPM: I co-wrote a TV series called Wafafa and I have written and directed a theatre musical Love Her Game Of Chess.
CHANTELLE PHINDILE MOYO
MBD: Have you faced any challenges in your line of work, if so, how have you outwitted them?
CPM: I have faced challenges yes of not having enough support but I have dealt with all of that by staying focused because I know where I am supposed to be.
MBD: What are you future plans?
CPM: My future plans are to see Purple Brain Productions, which is my production house which I founded in 2019, changing the way people view the film and theatre industry in Zimbabwe. I aim to produce quality stories that can be globally recognized and be able to pay actors what they deserve so that arts really makes sense as a career in our country.
MBD: How do you deal with the competition in your industry?
CPM: I always mind my business because I know that no matter what, I am different so I hardly consider or have any input on competition in the industry.
CHANTELLE PHINDILE MOYO
MBD: What advice would you give other young women who may want to join your industry?
CPM: I would say know yourself first, second know what you want, third stick to it and always show up, no matter what don’t stop and no opinion could ever be better than what you know about yourself.
MBD: What are some of your career highs?
CPM: One of my career highs is when I put out my first theatre play that was when I knew that I can actually do this.
MBD: Tell me about your upcoming play?
CPM: My upcoming play “I Don’t Want to Die”, is an emotional and uplifting Social Commentary Drama. This suicide and substance abuse awareness play, brings out together the stories of three complex characters, each grappling with their own dark pasts and struggles, shedding light on the complexities of suicidal thoughts and the devastating impact of trauma. We explore themes of trauma, abuse, identity, and the struggle to find hope and redemption. This play is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of vulnerability, forgiveness, and healing. By sharing these different stories, the play aims to raise awareness about mental health, break the stigma surrounding suicidal thoughts, and encourage those struggling to reach out for help.
MBD: Thank you for sharing your story with us Chantelle.
CPM: You are welcome.
If anyone wants to feature on this profile, please do get in touch with me on my mobile number +263777283907 or my email munyabless@yahoo.com
