This Sunday, the Amakhosi Cultural Centre in Bulawayo will host the premiere of Denzel & Washington, a bold new play that confronts some of society’s most uncomfortable truths.

Stripping theatre down to its raw essentials, the play dives deep into the pressures of belonging, the silence around pleasure and fear, and the life-changing consequences of unprotected choices.

At its core is 17-year-old Denzel Chapeyape, a character who becomes a metaphor for how society often excludes boys from conversations about sexual accountability, trauma, and healing.

Formatted as a two-hander, Denzel & Washington relies on intimacy rather than spectacle. With no big cast or elaborate lights, the focus rests entirely on the vulnerability and raw emotions of its performers. The audience is not just an observer but an active participant, invited to breathe, laugh, and reflect alongside the characters.

“The energy of the play moves seamlessly from comedy to crisis, laughter to silence, and tension to tenderness. That’s how real life feels when you’re 17, confused, and carrying shame you don’t understand,” explained actor Michael Muderere.

Through comedy, poetry, and silence, the play challenges audiences to confront their own assumptions and biases. By breaking the fourth wall and asking difficult questions, it opens a space for reflection and dialogue.

The cast features Michael Makatini and Michael Muderere, with costumes by Diatra Kadzombe, set design by Chantelle K. Chisir, sound by Emmanuel Mduduzi Chidakwa, and stage management by Shown Kembo and Andile Sibanda.

Though the title might sound playful, Denzel & Washington tackles serious issues: sex, consent, masculinity, and accountability. In just 60 minutes, audiences will be taken through schoolyards, hospital rooms, and intimate moments of humor, judgment, freedom, and fear.

Presented as part of the “Plays on Sunday” series, the production aims to spark conversations and raise social awareness well beyond the stage. The creative team has plans to tour schools, universities, and community spaces across Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, working alongside NGOs and health organizations to host post-show discussions.

This unapologetic, immersive performance promises to be more than a play—it’s a mirror held up to society and a call for honest dialogue.