The Last Chihoro Drama]

By Tonderai Munyevu

A touching story based on true events. Tonde returns to his place of birth in Zimbabwe to bury his mother as she wished. But traditional funeral rites mean this is far more difficult than he ever imagined.

This unique drama, with original music is a powerful meditation on grief, tradition, and love.

Tonde - Tonderai Munyevu

Aunty/Mo - Pamela Nomvete

Sekuru - Femi Elufowoju Jr.

Dee - Chipo Kureya

Medium/Cousin - Estella Daniels

Partner - John Lightbody

Original music by Tendai Humphrey Sitima

Singing by the cast and Tendai Humphrey Sitima

Produced and directed by Jessica Mitic

Sound by Alison Craig, Andy Garratt and Sue Stonestreet

Production co-ordination by Pippa Day

A BBC Audio Drama North production

The writer:

Tonderai Munyevu is a writer, actor and director. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in London. His play MUGABE, MY DAD AND ME won the “Best New Play' award at the UK Theatre Awards. The play was also shortlisted for The Alfred Fagon Award 2019. It premiered in 2021 at York Theatre Royal in collaboration with English Touring Theatre. In 2022 it transferred to London's Brixton House. Tonde is currently under commission to Hampstead Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Watermill Theatre.

Tonde returns to his place of birth in Zimbabwe to bury his mother.

Moving drama about a son who returns to his place of birth in Zimbabwe to bury his mother. A unique and ultimately uplifting drama exploring grief, tradition and the afterlife.