The University of Zambia Drama Society (UNZADRAMS) is preparing for its first National Arts Theatre Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) Festival, which it expects to use as a platform to showcase and develop its creative talents.
The festival, which will run from October 19 to 24, 2026, in Chingola, will bring together universities and colleges to compete in various performing arts disciplines, including poetry, monologues, and acting.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka Star, UNZA DRAMS Vice President Dorothy Mwamba said participating in the festival for the first time would provide members with an opportunity to explore their creativity while interacting with students from other institutions.
“NATAAZ includes universities and colleges that compete in different categories such as poetry, monologues, and acting,” she said.
Mwamba said the society had also conducted auditions to introduce more students to UNZA DRAMS and encourage active participation.
She said the auditions would help the society move beyond its usual annual activities and give students more opportunities to develop their creative abilities.
“We usually just do the annual shows such as Kojo Comes to Campus, Cultural Day, and Orientation, but this enables us to dive deeper into our creativity,” she said.
Meanwhile, UNZADRAMS Chairperson Blessed Banda said rebuilding the performing arts at the University of Zambia after the COVID-19 period had not been easy.
“Going to NATAAZ gives us national exposure, connects us with professional theatre groups, and shows that UNZADRAMS is coming back stronger,” Banda said.
Banda said the invitation to perform at NATAAZ had encouraged the society to improve its preparations, learn new stage techniques, and strengthen the tradition of performing arts at UNZA.
He further expressed hope that the university management would provide increased support to enable the society to better prepare for next year’s NATAAZ competition.
This year’s festival will mark the 40th anniversary of NATAAZ and will be held at the Chingola Arts Society.