Simunye by Victoria Falls Theatre : A Must-See Night Out

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Victoria Falls, with its breathtaking natural beauty, is an incredible destination but what about when the sun sets? If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out then look no further than the theatre!

Simunye: The Spirit of Africa is a stunning production by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company.  We were blown away by the energy and talent of this cast and the production team. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, because word will spread about how great this show is!

What is Simunye : The Spirit of Africa?  

In the words of the Victoria Falls Theatre Company, Simunye is more than just a theatre show. It’s a celebration of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the human spirit, all resonating with the majestic backdrop of Victoria Falls.

The performance tells a story of a young man and his elephant companion, Ndlovu, weaving together puppetry, dance, music, and some truly exceptional voices. The title, Simunye, translates to “We Are One,” which captures the essence of the show.

It’s a tale as old as time, a classic tale of boy meets girl, they fall in love and… well you’ll have to go watch the show to find out what happens next.  Yet, beneath the performance there is a powerful message about love, community and conservation, especially elephant conservation.

Victoria Falls Theatre Company And Local Talent

The Victoria Falls Theatre story is as unique as its production; it began life as a humble vegetable plot, which is just one of the things that makes this project special.  The company is dedicated to showcasing homegrown talent and the skills of Zimbabwean artists, another wonderful reason to go see this show.

Under the direction of acclaimed puppeteer Mongiwekhaya, the show features a talented cast that brings the story to life. Most of the performers are Zimbabwean, with a handful from Victoria Falls itself, and they come with an impressive amount of award-winning experience in performing arts.

The Victoria Falls Theatre Company was founded with a mission to foster local talent, draw inspiration from the region’s rich heritage, and to celebrate African storytelling. We’re pretty confident in thinking they succeeded!

Alongside the visuals, dance, and puppetry, the production features a vibrant original musical score. Having spent more than half my life on stage and in theatres, I was absolutely thrilled by the talent of this cast. The lead characters, of course, were outstanding, but wow; the vocals from the rest of the cast were also excellent.  It really is a team production!

Who Are The Cast and Company?

The company is a vibrant collective of artists who come together to bring this story to life.

Delve a little deeper and you’ll learn that whilst the youngest cast member is making her debut, many of the team are seasoned, award-winning performers and stars of both theatre and film with many international performances behind them.

Make no mistake, this is not a humble cast; far from it! This is a talented and professional team who weave their magic into a performance that leaves you wanting more.  

The Theatre and The Stage Set

As the saying goes, Mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and that couldn’t be truer for the Victoria Falls Theatre.

We were so surprised to learn that not so long ago, the theatre was nothing more than a vegetable plot!  Today, it is transformed into a glorious little 195-seat open-air venue with stepped seating, ensuring everyone enjoys a fantastic view of the stage.

The production features an array of amazing puppets, both large and small, a beautifully painted set, and lighting that creates ambiance and mood. And special mention has to go to the costumes and makeup artistry too, which all added layers to this magic experience.

I first stepped onto a stage when I was six years old and I know how challenging it is to create a truly great performance. We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived but, honestly, we were not expecting such a great evening!  

Cultural and Community Links

Simunye is more than a theatre performance; it was always intended to be more than that.  The Victoria Falls Theatre Company are committed to nurturing local talent and promoting Zimbabwean culture. The company actively engages with local communities by creating workshops and organizing cultural exchanges, fostering a connection between the arts and the community.

Beyond the performance, Simunye highlights the importance of conservation, working closely with Elephant Crew, an organization dedicated to helping communities affected by human-elephant conflict finding ways to coexist with wildlife.

So, you might think you’re just going to see a show, but how wonderful is it that whilst enjoy this musical extravaganza you also help support a community of local art and champions wildlife conservation!

The Audience Experience: What to Expect

We planned our day in Victoria Falls to ensure we were free for the start of the show. If you only have a couple of days in Victoria Falls, we’d recommend doing the same.

If you prefer to eat early, there are a couple of restaurants just a few minutes’ walk from the theatre:

The theatre is located at the rear of Elephant Walk Artists Village, a collection of art galleries and artisan stalls that are well worth exploring in their own right! However, these will be closed before the show starts.

We waited in the small café area until members of the cast arrived and invited everyone to take their seats. This open-air theatre has only 195 seats, offering an intimate comfortable feeling, with plenty of room and the stepped seating ensures everyone has a great view.

What Is The Theatre Address?

The Ndlovu Theatre
Elephants Walk
Victoria Falls

We were already near the Elephant Walk for the start of the show. However, we did pre-booked a taxi to collect us at the end of the show. We recommend you do the same; ask your hotel or accommodation for a taxi recommendation.

What Time Does The Show Start?

The show is performed six nights a week, with no performance on Monday nights, so plan accordingly!

How Much Are Tickets And Where Can You Buy Them?

I’d recommend booking ahead and tickets can be purchased from the theatre website but you can also book through both Viator and Get Your Guide. 

Top Tip : We struggled to book from the Theatre website and had a few issues with our Revolut Bank Card during our time Zimbabwe.  Do make sure that you carry an alternative as a backup.

Is Simunye Family Friendly?

Yes! It’s a performance that everyone will love; both young and old will enjoy this show!

Is The Theatre Accessible?

Yes, the Victoria Falls Theatre Company strives to provide an inclusive and accessible experience. The venue is equipped with facilities for wheelchair access and offers designated seating. It is recommended to contact them in advance if you need assistance.

Can You Take Photos or Video?

No photos or videos are allowed during the performance, but the company does permit photos at the end. They’ll make an announcement beforehand so you have time to grab your camera.

Top Tip : My photos were taken at the end of the show, once the announcement had been made and not before!

At the end of the show, you can go on stage to meet the cast and puppets and have your photo taken with the cast for a small fee, which supports Elephant Crew and The Victoria Falls Theatre School.  

There is a no-smartphone rule (thank goodness) : so be sure to turn your phone off before the performance starts.

Important Details Worth Repeating

Where To Stay In Victoria Falls

Our African Overland Trip started in Victoria Falls and we had a few days to explore. We walked into town a couple of time once at dusk which was not a good idea! I was terrified as we were walking in a National Park, where animals move freely; I think we ran the last 500 metres. If you go to the theatre; make sure you book a taxi for the journey home!

Book This Must-See Show During Your Victoria Falls Visit

The main reason to see Simunye is simple: it’s fabulous! There are plenty of great nights out to enjoy in Victoria Falls, but Simunye should be at the top of your list.

Simunye: The Spirit of Africa offers a rich cultural experience that goes beyond theatre. The production aims to celebrate African heritage, creativity, and community; and we think it achieves this brilliantly! They also wanted to reach their audience through the power of storytelling; we think they did this too!

We loved this performance, but don’t just take our word for it; Simunye has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews:

• “Wonderful, energetic, and uplifting show! The music and dancing were inspiring.”
• “Great dancing! Great music! Very energetic and a cool little story.
• “The show ‘Simunye’ is all action from start to finish.
• “The Simunye experience combines music, culture, song, dance, and theatre into one fantastic hour of excitement.
• “The puppet costumes, especially the crocodile and elephant, were epic. We loved everything about the performance!”

As a Brit, I don’t like to gild the lily too much, but this show truly is a must-see. We were blown away and it was unexpected.  And for me, as a singer, the vocals were phenomenal! So, grab your ticket, sit back, and enjoy the show!

Looking For Things To Do in Victoria Falls?

We travelled from Victoria Falls to Cape Town on an epic overland adventure through southern Africa; if you’re planning a visit, you might find these posts useful :